2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2006 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Altima (260 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Altima weights approximately 49 kg more than 2007 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Nissan Altima, 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 Nissan Altima (339 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Altima 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 | 2006 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1469 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
