2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2010 Mazda 5
To start off, 2010 Mazda 5 is newer by 4 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 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 5. (153 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 5 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2010 Mazda 5, 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda 5. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda 5. 2010 Mazda 5 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. 2010 Mazda 5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2010 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-8 | 5 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1753 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1631 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
