2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2011 Kia Sportage is newer by 5 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Sportage (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Sportage weights approximately 74 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Kia Sportage, 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, 2011 Kia Sportage (358 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2011 Kia Sportage 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. 2011 Kia Sportage will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2011 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | RX-8 | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1850 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 | 1502 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1636 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
