2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 3 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2005 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 62 L |
