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Mazda RX-8 vs. Volkswagen Beetle MPG

Chart is based on 202 fuel economy reports for the Mazda RX-8 and 45 fuel economy reports for the Volkswagen Beetle.

Mazda RX-8 MPG

Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2010 17.1 MPG Highway Percentage 55 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2009 17.5 MPG Highway Percentage 53 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2008 20.9 MPG Highway Percentage 67 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2007 18.4 MPG Highway Percentage 33 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2007 22.5 MPG Highway Percentage 51 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2006 19.1 MPG Highway Percentage 67 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2006 17.3 MPG Highway Percentage 3 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2005 18.6 MPG Highway Percentage 60 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2004 17.5 MPG Highway Percentage 44 percent Mazda RX-8 Mazda RX-8 2004 17.3 MPG Highway Percentage 23 percent
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2010 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD
flat med light 1 22 22 55 74 17.1  
2009 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD
flat med none 2 16 29 53 68 17.5  
2008 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD
flat med light 3 16 15 67 72 20.9  
2007 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD
flat med none 5 14 48 33 79 18.4  
2007 4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
flat med light 15 24 10 51 78 22.5  
2006 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD
flat med none 9 10 13 67 66 19.1  
2006 4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
flat med light 5 28 65 3 60 17.3  
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2005 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD
flat med light 6 16 18 60 77 18.6  
2004 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD
flat med light 7 25 24 44 77 17.5  
2004 4dr Coupe 197-horsepower 1.3L R2
4-speed shiftable automatic RWD
flat lead light 42 12 23 23 70 17.3  

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This page shows only averages. See all the Mazda RX-8 fuel economy data.

Volkswagen Beetle MPG

Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2014 33.4 MPG Highway Percentage 70 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2013 19.5 MPG Highway Percentage 5 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2012 29.6 MPG Highway Percentage 100 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2010 28.0 MPG Highway Percentage 30 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2010 24.4 MPG Highway Percentage 0 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2006 48.1 MPG Highway Percentage 27 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2006 27.0 MPG Highway Percentage 23 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2005 25.8 MPG Highway Percentage 50 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2005 25.0 MPG Highway Percentage 30 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2004 42.9 MPG Highway Percentage 75 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2004 25.0 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2004 33.9 MPG Highway Percentage 75 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2004 25.5 MPG Highway Percentage 20 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2003 28.0 MPG Highway Percentage 90 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2003 26.5 MPG Highway Percentage 15 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2002 46.3 MPG Highway Percentage 58 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2002 24.9 MPG Highway Percentage 10 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2001 29.1 MPG Highway Percentage 80 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2001 31.9 MPG Highway Percentage 30 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2001 26.9 MPG Highway Percentage 84 percent Volkswagen Beetle Volkswagen Beetle 2000 46.3 MPG Highway Percentage 71 percent
Year Body/Powertrain flat, hilly, or mountainousLand driving style: very light to "lead foot"Foot A/C use: none to heavyA/C constant stop and goTraf % many stops per mileCity % stop every mile or twoSub % fairly steady speedHwy % Hwy Spd MPG
2014 2dr Convertible 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat light none 0 5 25 70 70 33.4  
2013 2dr Hatch 170-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
flat light none 0 20 75 5 60 19.5  
2012 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
flat med hvy 0 0 0 100 75 29.6  
2010 2dr Hatch 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med none 0 0 70 30 55 28.0  
2010 2dr Convertible 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med light 0 25 75 0 0 24.4  
2006 2dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD
flat light light 23 25 25 27 70 48.1  
2006 2dr Hatch 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med light 3 27 48 23 60 27.0  
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2005 2dr Convertible turbocharged 150hp 1.8L I4
5-speed manual FWD
flat med light 5 23 22 50 75 25.8  
2005 2dr Convertible 115-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD
flat v.lt light 5 15 50 30 65 25.0  
2004 2dr Hatch turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD
hills v.lt light 0 25 0 75 70 42.9  
2004 2dr Hatch 115-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD
flat light light 5 25 50 20 60 25.0  
2004 2dr Convertible turbocharged 100hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD
flat med none 10 10 5 75 100 33.9  
2004 2dr Convertible 115-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
flat med hvy 15 35 30 20 75 25.5  
2003 2dr Hatch turbocharged 150hp 1.8L I4
5-speed manual FWD
flat light hvy 0 5 5 90 75 28.0  
2003 2dr Hatch 115-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD
flat light hvy 13 28 45 15 100 26.5  
2002 2dr Hatch turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD
flat med light 3 15 25 58 60 46.3  
2002 2dr Hatch 115-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD
flat med none 5 80 5 10 120 24.9  
2001 2dr Hatch turbocharged 150hp 1.8L I4
5-speed manual FWD
hills med none 10 5 5 80 75 29.1  
2001 2dr Hatch 115-horsepower 2.0L I4
5-speed manual FWD
flat med none 5 10 55 30 60 31.9  
2001 2dr Hatch 115-horsepower 2.0L I4
4-speed automatic FWD
flat light none 1 9 7 84 100 26.9  
2000 2dr Hatch turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD
flat light none 3 9 17 71 77 46.3  

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This page shows only averages. See all the Volkswagen Beetle fuel economy data.

Mazda RX-8 vs. Volkswagen Beetle MPG

Unlike other fuel economy surveys, TrueDelta's Real-World Gas Mileage Survey includes questions about how and where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of the Mazda RX-8 and Volkswagen Beetle's where a car was driven. So you can get an idea of their real-world MPG based on how and where you drive a car.

See TrueDelta's information for all Coupes
See TrueDelta's information for all Mazda models and Volkswagen models.

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Mazda RX-8

Mazda RX-8 Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2009 4dr Coupe 232-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD
One of the big downsides of the rotary is truly horrendous fuel economy. When the RX-8 first came out in the early 2000s, its mileage ratings of 16/22 city/highway mpg (stick shift) were just barely acceptable, but there days, with many crossovers hitting more than 30 mpg on the highway, those figures are truly atrocious, especially given respectable but certainly not neck-snapping power. Futhermore, it takes premium. If you're using the RX-8 as it commuter, fuel costs will add up quickly. In my predominantly around-town driving, I typically average between 16-17 mpg. My highest recorded average was 20 mpg on a highway trip at speeds around 75 mph. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2007 4dr Coupe 212-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed shiftable automatic RWD
The EPA numbers are way low compared with my real-world experience. The window sticker showed 18/25 and I have never seen less than 23 with my 40/60 city/highway commute. I think Mazda should develop a lean-burn economy cruise mode for this car. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2006 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD
Lite bit to high consumption when I drive it in normal speed. On full woot its ok. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2005 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD
Worst fuel economy in its class. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD
Not that bad for what it is, but it seems to me that Mazda's Sky Active technology could help the city mileage. It just needs more R&D. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD
At 16 m.p.g. on premium grade these days it could be cheaper to take a taxi. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD
For a small engine displacement and a relatively light vehicle weight, the gas mileage is weak. I usualy get around 19mpg, and that does not realy matter if I am doing all city or all highway driving. I think the real problem is in the sixth gear it isnt much different than fifth gear so it does not provide good fuel economy. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD
For a car with a 1.9 liter engine I would have expected better than 16-19 MPG. Get your foot into it and the numbers fall drastically. Otherwise I loved that car. It just got too small with a newborn and a big dog. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD
I gets 20MPG no matter what I do. Running around 20. 1/2 highway 20. All the highway all day 25-26. I think that it could do better. see full Mazda RX-8 review
2004 4dr Coupe 238-horsepower 1.3L R2
6-speed manual RWD
16-18MPG city, 24MPG highway see full Mazda RX-8 review
 

TrueDelta Reviews the Real Gas Mileage of the Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen Beetle Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearComment
2013 How much difference can a diesel make? The EPA rates the Beetle Convertible's 170-horsepower 2.5-liter gas engine for 21 mpg city, 27 mpg highway. The 140-horsepower (but torqier) 2.0-liter TDI? A much more fuel efficient 28/37. In both cases the lighter hatchback scores a little better. TDI fans claim that the EPA underestimates diesel fuel economy, and they might have a point. While the 2.5's trip computer reported averages in the mid-to-high 20s in suburban driving, the TDI's reported averages in the 40s, even just over 50 with a feather-light right foot and few complete stops. On a 70-mph highway the trip computer reported a two-way average of 38. At lower speeds the TDI should exceed the EPA rating. The Mini and Fiat are considerably smaller, lighter, and less powerful, but with somewhat overwhelmed gas engines they can't match the Beetle's fuel economy (27/35 and 27/34, respectively). Note that diesel fuel tends to cost a little more than regular unleaded, and far fewer stations carry it. see full Volkswagen Beetle review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Real Gas Mileage of the Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen Beetle Real Gas Mileage: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2012 2dr Hatch turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4
6-speed automated manual FWD
I have the Beetle for just one month, so canīt say too much yet, but after 500 Km mostly highway driving (from whicharound 100 Km on mountanous roads), it was showing an average of 13.1 Km/ltr. Not bad at all. When i drive into the city, it averages more or less 8.0 Km/ltr. Iīm not a racer, but also not a slow driver. see full Volkswagen Beetle review
2002 2dr Hatch turbocharged 90hp 1.9L I4 Diesel
5-speed manual FWD
A real-world 50+ miles per gallon. This is achieved by going 55 MPH or thereabouts, and on limited-access hiways. In-town mileage of course is worse. see full Volkswagen Beetle review
Volkswagen Beetle Real Gas Mileage: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2007 2dr Convertible 150-horsepower 2.5L I5
5-speed manual FWD
NOT an economy car. Fun to drive, but not for the tight pocketbook. see full Volkswagen Beetle review
2004 2dr Convertible 115-horsepower 2.0L I4
6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Less than 25 mpg. see full Volkswagen Beetle review