2008 Mazda 6 vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda 6 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 6. (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 205 kg more than 2008 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 6, 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 6. (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 6 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 6 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.6 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.4 L/100km | 13.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
