2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. (85 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 143 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Polo. (130 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2005 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Polo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 168 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 13.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1279 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 45 L |
