2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 1,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. (158 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 69 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. 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 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 208 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1359 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4278 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2537 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
