2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 102 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
