2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2008 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2008 Mini Cooper. (172 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mini Cooper.
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 Mini Cooper, 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 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Mini Cooper 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 Mini Cooper has manual transmission. 2008 Mini Cooper 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 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | RX-8 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
