2010 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 79 kg more than 2010 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mazda RX-8 | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1300 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1411 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1341 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
