1994 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1994 BMW 520. (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1994 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 520 weights approximately 69 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 520 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
