2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo 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 1,308 cc, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (178 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 151 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. 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 Polo, 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 Polo (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2012 Volkswagen Polo 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 Polo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Polo |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 6.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1269 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
