2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2005 Subaru Forester
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 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2005 Subaru Forester. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Subaru Forester weights approximately 327 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2005 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Subaru Forester. (184 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2005 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | RX-8 | Forester |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | boxer |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 11.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1456 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
