1992 BMW 540 vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 540 would be higher. At 3,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 293 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 1992 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1992 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 540 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3982 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1721 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
