2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan 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, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 665 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, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan, 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 Sharan (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1794 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2919 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
