2008 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 236 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 2011 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Golf | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
