Verified Performance Tests Updated May 2026 · 14 recorded runs

Mazda RX-8 0–60 Times

The Mazda RX-8 0–60 times and quarter-mile times below are from 14 recorded performance tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver, Motor Trend and Motor Week and more.

The fastest tested Mazda RX-8 is the 2006 Mazda RX-8 Protech Performance Coupe, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 4.90 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 13.50 seconds at 109.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.

The slowest tested Mazda RX-8 is the 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 Coupe, which took 6.70 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 15.10 seconds at 93.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.

Out of all the Mazda RX-8 tests in our database, the average 0–60 mph time is 6.19 seconds. The average quarter-mile time is 14.69 seconds at 95.71 mph.

Fastest Stock 0–60 5.90sec 2004 Coupe
Fastest Overall 4.90sec 2006 Protech Performance Coupe · modified
Avg ¼ Mile 14.69sec @ 95.7 mph trap
Slowest 0–60 6.70sec 2009 R3 Coupe
2009 Mazda RX-8

Across 14 verified runs, the Mazda RX-8 ranges from 4.90 to 6.70 seconds 0–60, with a 6.19-second average.

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Mazda RX-8 Performance Overview

Mazda’s RX-8, produced from 2004 to 2009, centers its performance identity on the FE generation’s compact 13B-MSP Renesis rotary engine and a light, rear-drive coupe layout. Across 14 verified tests spanning 2004 to 2009, all from production cars, the RX-8 posts a 0-60 range from 4.9 to 6.7 seconds and averages 14.69 seconds in the quarter-mile at 95.7 mph. Early in the run, the 2004 Pettit Racing Coupe set the initial benchmark at 5.7 seconds to 60 mph, showing the platform’s tuning headroom alongside standard naturally aspirated examples.

By 2006, the FE reached its quickest recorded form with the 2006 Protech Performance Coupe at 4.9 seconds to 60 mph and 13.5 seconds at 109 mph in the quarter-mile, the fastest figures in the dataset. Mainstream trims clustered higher: the 2007 Grand Touring Coupe ran 6.4 seconds to 60 mph, while later R3 examples ranged from 5.9 seconds in 2009 to 6.7 seconds in another 2009 R3 Coupe test. Engine output remained in the 232–238 hp range, and while the production car stayed gasoline-powered and naturally aspirated, the test history also includes turbocharged and supercharged builds. Today, the RX-8’s recorded performance is defined by that FE-era rotary formula and a best of 4.9 seconds to 60 mph.

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Mazda RX-8 0–60 Times by Generation

1 generation
Generation Years Avg 0–60 Fastest 0–60 Tests Notes
FE 2004–2012 6.19s 4.90s — 2006 Protech Performance Coupe 14 The FE generation (2004–2012) averaged 6.19 seconds to 60 mph across 14 tests, led by the 2006 Protech Performance Coupe at 4.90 seconds. Output ranged from 232 to 238 hp across 1.3L R2, 1.3L Supercharger R2, 1.3L Turbo R2 configurations. Includes 2 results from 2 modified vehicles.
FE 2004–2012
Avg 0–60 6.19s
Fastest 4.90s
Tests 14
2006 Protech Performance Coupe
The FE generation (2004–2012) averaged 6.19 seconds to 60 mph across 14 tests, led by the 2006 Protech Performance Coupe at 4.90 seconds. Output ranged from 232 to 238 hp across 1.3L R2, 1.3L Supercharger R2, 1.3L Turbo R2 configurations. Includes 2 results from 2 modified vehicles.
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Mazda RX-8 0–60 Times by Year and Trim

14 tests · 4 years

2009 Mazda RX-8

3 verified runs
Avg 0–60 6.53 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 15.00 sec
Recorded Tests 3
#07
2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 Coupe
6.30sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
14.90s ¼ mi @ 94.0 mph
0–60 mph
6.30 sec
¼ Mile ET
14.90 sec
Trap Speed
94.0 mph
Engine
1.3L R2
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
232 hp
Torque
159 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,065 lbs
Power-to-Weight
13.2 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
16 C / 22 H / 14 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#7 of 14
2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 Coupe
#11
2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 coupe
6.60sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.00s ¼ mi @ 95.0 mph
0–60 mph
6.60 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.00 sec
Trap Speed
95.0 mph
Engine
1.3L R2
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
232 hp
Torque
159 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,065 lbs
Power-to-Weight
13.2 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
16 C / 22 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Week
Overall Rank
#11 of 14
2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 coupe
#14
2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 Coupe
6.70sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.10s ¼ mi @ 93.0 mph
0–60 mph
6.70 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.10 sec
Trap Speed
93.0 mph
Engine
1.3L R2
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
232 hp
Torque
159 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,065 lbs
Power-to-Weight
13.2 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
16 C / 22 H / 15 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#14 of 14
2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 Coupe

2007 Mazda RX-8

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 6.50 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 15.00 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#09
2007 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring Coupe
6.50sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.00s ¼ mi @ 93.0 mph
0–60 mph
6.50 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.00 sec
Trap Speed
93.0 mph
Engine
1.3L R2
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
232 hp
Torque
159 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,064 lbs
Power-to-Weight
13.2 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
16 C / 22 H / 15 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#9 of 14
2007 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring Coupe

2006 Mazda RX-8

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 4.90 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 13.50 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#01
2006 Mazda RX-8 Protech Performance Coupe
4.90sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
13.50s ¼ mi @ 109.0 mph
0–60 mph
4.90 sec
¼ Mile ET
13.50 sec
Trap Speed
109.0 mph
Engine
1.3L Turbo R2
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
6M
Production Vehicle
Not production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Tuner
Protech Performance
Overall Rank
#1 of 14
2006 Mazda RX-8 Protech Performance Coupe

2004 Mazda RX-8

9 verified runs
Avg 0–60 6.19 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 14.68 sec
Recorded Tests 9
#02
2004 Mazda RX-8 Pettit Racing Coupe
5.70sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
14.10s ¼ mi @ 99.3 mph
0–60 mph
5.70 sec
¼ Mile ET
14.10 sec
Trap Speed
99.3 mph
Engine
1.3L Supercharger R2
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
6M
Curb Weight
3,050 lbs
Production Vehicle
Not production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Tuner
Pettit Racing
Overall Rank
#2 of 14
2004 Mazda RX-8 Pettit Racing Coupe
#03
2004 Mazda RX-8 Coupe
5.90sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
14.50s ¼ mi @ 96.0 mph
0–60 mph
5.90 sec
¼ Mile ET
14.50 sec
Trap Speed
96.0 mph
Engine
1.3L R2
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
238 hp
Torque
159 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,055 lbs
Power-to-Weight
12.8 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
16 C / 22 H / 15 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#3 of 14
2004 Mazda RX-8 Coupe
#04
2004 Mazda RX-8 Coupe
5.90sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
14.50s ¼ mi @ 95.6 mph
0–60 mph
5.90 sec
¼ Mile ET
14.50 sec
Trap Speed
95.6 mph
Engine
1.3L R2
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
238 hp
Torque
159 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,055 lbs
Power-to-Weight
12.8 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
16 C / 22 H / 19 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Road & Track
Overall Rank
#4 of 14
2004 Mazda RX-8 Coupe
#05
2004 Mazda RX-8 Coupe
6.00sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
14.49s ¼ mi @ 95.5 mph
0–60 mph
6.00 sec
¼ Mile ET
14.49 sec
Trap Speed
95.5 mph
Engine
1.3L R2
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
238 hp
Torque
159 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,055 lbs
Power-to-Weight
12.8 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
16 C / 22 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#5 of 14
2004 Mazda RX-8 Coupe
#06
2004 Mazda RX-8 Coupe
6.10sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
14.60s
0–60 mph
6.10 sec
¼ Mile ET
14.60 sec
Trap Speed
Engine
1.3L R2
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
238 hp
Torque
159 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,055 lbs
Power-to-Weight
12.8 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
16 C / 22 H / 15.9 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Road & Track
Overall Rank
#6 of 14
2004 Mazda RX-8 Coupe
#08
2004 Mazda RX-8 Coupe
6.40sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
14.80s ¼ mi @ 94.3 mph
0–60 mph
6.40 sec
¼ Mile ET
14.80 sec
Trap Speed
94.3 mph
Engine
1.3L R2
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
238 hp
Torque
159 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,055 lbs
Power-to-Weight
12.8 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
16 C / 22 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#8 of 14
2004 Mazda RX-8 Coupe
#10
2004 Mazda RX-8 Coupe
6.50sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
14.81s ¼ mi @ 93.5 mph
0–60 mph
6.50 sec
¼ Mile ET
14.81 sec
Trap Speed
93.5 mph
Engine
1.3L R2
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
238 hp
Torque
159 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,055 lbs
Power-to-Weight
12.8 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
16 C / 22 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#10 of 14
2004 Mazda RX-8 Coupe
#12
2004 Mazda RX-8 Coupe
6.60sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.10s ¼ mi @ 93.0 mph
0–60 mph
6.60 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.10 sec
Trap Speed
93.0 mph
Engine
1.3L R2
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
238 hp
Torque
159 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,055 lbs
Power-to-Weight
12.8 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
16 C / 22 H / 19 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#12 of 14
2004 Mazda RX-8 Coupe
#13
2004 Mazda RX-8 Coupe
6.60sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.20s ¼ mi @ 93.0 mph
0–60 mph
6.60 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.20 sec
Trap Speed
93.0 mph
Engine
1.3L R2
Drivetrain
RWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
238 hp
Torque
159 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,055 lbs
Power-to-Weight
12.8 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
16 C / 22 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Week
Overall Rank
#13 of 14
2004 Mazda RX-8 Coupe

How we verify Mazda RX-8 performance data

We include only independently published road-test results from automotive publications. Manufacturer-claimed 0–60 times are excluded unless clearly labeled. When multiple publications test the same Mazda RX-8 trim, each run is listed separately — weather, tires, surface, rollout, and instrumentation all affect results.

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Mazda RX-8 0–60 and quarter-mile distribution

0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is faster
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Mazda RX-8 performance FAQs

10 questions
The 2009 Mazda RX-8 R3 Coupe runs 0-60 in 6.3 to 6.7 seconds across recorded stock tests. The quickest 2009 run is 6.3 seconds, with quarter-mile results ranging from 14.9 to 15.1 seconds at 93 to 95 mph. All listed 2009 tests use the 232-hp 13B-MSP Renesis rotary and rear-wheel drive.
The quickest RX-8 on record is the 2006 Protech Performance Coupe at 4.9 seconds from 0-60 mph. It also posts the fastest quarter-mile result for the model at 13.5 seconds at 109 mph. That car is heavily modified, so it represents the fastest overall RX-8 result rather than the fastest stock example.
The fastest stock RX-8 on record is a 2004 Coupe, which reaches 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. That makes it the quickest production-spec result among 14 production RX-8 tests. If you include modified builds, the overall RX-8 best drops to 4.9 seconds, but that comes from a heavily modified 2006 Protech Performance Coupe.
Across 14 RX-8 tests, the average 0-60 time is 6.19 seconds. Average quarter-mile performance is 14.69 seconds at 95.7 mph. The quickest result on record is 4.9 seconds to 60 mph, while the slowest is 6.7 seconds. Those figures show a fairly wide spread between stock cars and the quickest modified build.
The FE-generation Mazda RX-8, covering 2004 to 2012, averages 6.19 seconds from 0-60 mph across 14 tests. The fastest FE result is 4.9 seconds from the 2006 Protech Performance Coupe. Power outputs recorded for this generation range from 232 to 238 hp, with naturally aspirated, turbocharged, and supercharged examples appearing on record.
The fastest FE RX-8 on record is the 2006 Protech Performance Coupe at 4.9 seconds from 0-60 mph. That is the quickest result for the 2004-2012 RX-8 generation overall. If you only want a stock FE RX-8, the best production time is 5.9 seconds from a 2004 Coupe.
The RX-8 R3 has recorded 0-60 times of 6.3, 6.6, and 6.7 seconds. The quickest R3 run is 6.3 seconds, and its quarter-mile times range from 14.9 to 15.1 seconds with trap speeds from 93 to 95 mph. All listed R3 results are stock coupes with the 232-hp 13B-MSP Renesis engine and rear-wheel drive.
The standard RX-8 Coupe is quicker on record. The best Coupe run is 5.9 seconds to 60 mph, while the best R3 Coupe run is 6.3 seconds. Looking at averages, the Coupe sits at 6.25 seconds across 8 tests, compared with 6.5 seconds across 2 tests for the R3 Coupe.
The Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring Coupe has a recorded 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds. That places it close to the R3 Coupe's average pace, but behind the quickest standard RX-8 Coupe result of 5.9 seconds. For buyers comparing trims, the Grand Touring falls into the mid-6-second range rather than the fastest RX-8 group.
Across 14 RX-8 tests, the average quarter-mile time is 14.69 seconds at 95.7 mph. The fastest quarter-mile on record is 13.5 seconds at 109 mph from the heavily modified 2006 Protech Performance Coupe. For the 2009 RX-8 R3 Coupe, quarter-mile times range from 14.9 to 15.1 seconds at 93 to 95 mph.

Sources

Car and Driver
Motor Trend
Motor Week
Road & Track

0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what a Mazda RX-8 can do, not a single marketing claim.

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Other Mazda 0–60 times

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