2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz A. (81 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz A.
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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2006 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mercedes-Benz A has manual transmission. 2008 Mercedes-Benz A will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | A |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1990 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
