2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 333 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
