2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 Audi A8
To start off, 2012 Audi A8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 4,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Audi A8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi A8 (372 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi A8 weights approximately 578 kg more than 2008 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Audi A8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi A8 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, 2012 Audi A8 (444 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 2012 Audi A8 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. 2012 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Mazda | Audi |
| Model | RX-8 | A8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 372 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 444 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5136 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1948 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2992 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 90 L |
