1996 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 106 kg more than 2010 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, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 2010 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
