2006 Kia Sportage vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Kia Sportage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Kia Sportage would be higher. At 2,655 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2006 Kia Sportage. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sportage weights approximately 280 kg more than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2006 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Kia Sportage will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Kia Sportage (242 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8. 2006 Kia Sportage has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Sportage | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Sportage | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2655 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 64 L |
