Mazda RX-8 vs Nissan Altima
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Nissan Altima
Overview
| Spec | Mazda RX-8Sport | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Sport | 2.5 SV |
| Body style | Coupe | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2011 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mazda RX-8Sport | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $26,795 (best) | $27,580 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mazda RX-8Sport | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 19 MPG | 30 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 16 MPG | 26 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 23 MPG | 36 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 16.9 gal (best) | 16.2 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Mazda RX-8Sport | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 212 hp (best) | 188 hp |
| Torque | 159 lb-ft | 180 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 1.3 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | — | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mazda RX-8Sport | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 7.6 cu ft | 15.4 cu ft (best) |
| Payload | — | 1,045 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,111 lbs (best) | 3,283 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 4.7 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 106.4 in | 111.2 in (best) |
| Length | 175.6 in | 192.9 in (best) |
| Width | 69.7 in | 72.9 in (best) |
| Height | 52.8 in | 56.8 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mazda RX-8Sport | Nissan Altima2.5 SV |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 3 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Mazda RX-8 | Nissan Altima |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sport $26,795 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 2.5 SV $27,580 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Sport $26,795 MSRP | 2.5 SV $29,080 MSRP |
| 3 | Grand Touring $32,260 MSRP | 2.5 SR $28,980 MSRP |
| 4 | Grand Touring $32,960 MSRP | 2.5 SR $30,480 MSRP |
| 5 | R3 $32,290 MSRP | — |
Mazda RX-8 vs Nissan Altima FAQ
- Which is better: 2011 Mazda RX-8 or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2011 Mazda RX-8 vs 2026 Nissan Altima on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2011 Mazda RX-8 or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2011 Mazda RX-8 starts lower at $26,795.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2011 Mazda RX-8 or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- The 2011 Mazda RX-8 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (26,795).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2011 Mazda RX-8 or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- The 2026 Nissan Altima leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (30).
- Which has better horsepower: 2011 Mazda RX-8 or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- The 2011 Mazda RX-8 leads on horsepower in this comparison (232).
- Which has better seats: 2011 Mazda RX-8 or 2026 Nissan Altima?
- The 2026 Nissan Altima leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2011 Mazda RX-8 vs 2026 Nissan Altima?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Nissan Altima (5/5 NHTSA overall).