2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Polo

To start off, both 2008 Mazda RX-8 and 2008 Volkswagen Polo were released in the same year (2008). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,422 cc (3 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. (74 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 164 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 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 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Polo. (195 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Polo.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Mazda RX-8 2008 Volkswagen Polo
Make Mazda Volkswagen
Model RX-8 Polo
Year Released 2008 2008
Body Type Coupe Hatchback
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1308 cc 1422 cc
Engine Type dual-disk rotary in-line
Horse Power 232 HP 74 HP
Engine RPM 8500 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 216 Nm 195 Nm
Torque RPM 5500 RPM 2200 RPM
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1329 kg 1165 kg
Vehicle Length 4430 mm 3910 mm
Vehicle Width 1780 mm 1680 mm
Vehicle Height 1350 mm 1530 mm
Wheelbase Size 2710 mm 2470 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 11.8 L/100km 4.9 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 60 L 45 L