2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2005 Opel Zafira
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Opel Zafira. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Opel Zafira would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Opel Zafira is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2005 Opel Zafira. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Zafira. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 35 kg more than 2005 Opel Zafira. 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, 2005 Opel Zafira, 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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Opel Zafira. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Opel Zafira.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2005 Opel Zafira | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | RX-8 | Zafira |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 15.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 58 L |
