2011 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 44 kg more than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda RX-8 | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1300 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1341 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2703 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
