2006 Toyota Avalon vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Toyota Avalon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Toyota Avalon would be higher. At 3,458 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Toyota Avalon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Toyota Avalon (268 HP) has 36 more horse power than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2006 Toyota Avalon.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Toyota Avalon, 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 Toyota Avalon (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Toyota Avalon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8. 2006 Toyota Avalon has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Toyota Avalon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Toyota Avalon | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Avalon | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3458 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 232 HP |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.6 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
