2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 354 kg more than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2003 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
2007 Mazda RX-8 | 2003 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
Model | RX-8 | Passat |
Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1306 cc | 2496 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
Horse Power | 232 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 216 Nm | 310 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 78.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86.4 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1534 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2590 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |