2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2010 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2010 Toyota Highlander 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 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2010 Toyota Highlander. (187 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2010 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 316 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 Toyota Highlander, 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, 2010 Toyota Highlander (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2010 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2010 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2010 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1744 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 73 L |
