2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 6 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), 2012 Kia Forte is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2012 Kia Forte. (156 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Forte. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 190 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte. 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, 2012 Kia Forte, 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 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Forte. (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Forte.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | RX-8 | Forte |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1238 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4529 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1775 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 52 L |
