1996 BMW 525 vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1996 BMW 525. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 138 kg more than 2003 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, 1996 BMW 525 (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 2003 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
