2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2009 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2009 Subaru Forester is newer by 3 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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2009 Subaru Forester. (224 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Forester weights approximately 82 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2009 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, 2009 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, 2009 Subaru Forester (306 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2009 Subaru Forester 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. 2009 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2009 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | RX-8 | Forester |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | boxer |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 64 L |
