2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 176 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 62 L |
