2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 101 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2007 Volkswagen Golf (241 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 2007 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 13.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1321 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
