2006 Mazda 6 vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 6. (119 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2006 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2007 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 6, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 6. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 6 | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 6 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 197 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.7 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.3 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 61 L |
