1995 BMW 317 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW 317. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW 317 would be higher. At 1,665 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 BMW 317 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 317 weights approximately 90 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 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 317.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW 317 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 317 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
