2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 32 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1396 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
