2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 Mazda 5
To start off, 2011 Mazda 5 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 5. (157 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 5 weights approximately 140 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, 2011 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, 2011 Mazda 5 (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2011 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. 2011 Mazda 5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2011 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-8 | 5 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1568 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
