Mazda RX-8 vs. Subaru WRX
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda RX-8 and Subaru WRX contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mazda RX-8 and the Subaru WRX.
When comparing the Mazda RX-8's and the Subaru WRX's specifications and ratings, The Subaru WRX has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mazda RX-8's and the Subaru WRX's specifications and ratings, the Subaru WRX is a better car than the Mazda RX-8.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda RX-8’s base engine makes 232 horsepower, and the Subaru WRX base engine makes 271 horsepower. The RX-8 is rated to deliver an average of 18 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 372 miles. The WRX is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 432 miles. This gives the Subaru WRX the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Mazda RX-8. The RX-8 uses gasoline, and the WRX uses premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Subaru WRX has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mazda RX-8 has the advantage in the areas of rear head room and rear shoulder room.
Safety Ratings: The Subaru WRX has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$26,795
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$33,493 - $44,163
Starting MSRP:
$32,735
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
$26,555
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
$17,795 - $45,665
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$10,064
Price Range:
$2,000 - $17,738
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
1
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
67,897
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
$28,855
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
$19,171 - $47,673
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
2,833
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
49
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Mazda RX-8 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
Subaru WRX Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda RX-8
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru WRX
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.5
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
11.2
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
10.1 - 13.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
3.3%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.1
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2 - 18.8
Mazda RX-8 Rankings
Not yet available
Subaru WRX Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 43Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 3Ranking
5 out of / 43Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
8 out of / 43Ranking
11 out of / 43Ranking
12 out of / 21Ranking
15 out of / 43Ranking
18 out of / 43Ranking
19 out of / 24Ranking
21 out of / 43Ranking
24 out of / 43Ranking
31 out of / 43Available Body Styles
Coupe
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mazda RX-8 Trim Levels
Grand Touring, R3, Sport
Subaru WRX Trim Levels
Base, GT, Limited, Premium, TR
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
232 hp @ 8500 rpm
Torque:
159 foot-lbs @ 5500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.076 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
271 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.081 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Rotary
Number of Cylinders:
2
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 22 / 18
Range (city/hwy):
270 / 372 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 26 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
315 / 432 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
32.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.9 inches
Cargo Space:
7.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
89.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.1 inches
Cargo Space:
12.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
98.9 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3065 lbs
Width:
69.7 inches
Height:
52.8 inches
Length:
175.6 inches
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3329 lbs
Width:
79.3 inches
Height:
57.8 inches
Length:
183.8 inches
Wheelbase:
105.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Sparkling Black Mica
Red
Velocity Red
Silver
Liquid Silver Metallic
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Orange
Not available
White
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Red
Ignition Red
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
Blue
Sapphire Blue Pearl / WR Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Orange
Solar Orange Pearl
White
Ceramic White
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Black with Red Stitching
