2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2010 Mazda 6
To start off, 2010 Mazda 6 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 6. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 6 weights approximately 76 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2010 Mazda 6, 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, 2010 Mazda 6 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2010 Mazda 6 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. 2010 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2010 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-8 | 6 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1501 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1839 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
