2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 158 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, 2005 Volkswagen New 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (127 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
