2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Touareg would be higher. At 2,495 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. (180 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 975 kg more than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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 Touareg (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 2304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 100 L |
