2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2000 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 128 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (335 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2000 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 8.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
