2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle
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 New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 223 kg more than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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 New Beetle, 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle. (152 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 45 L |
