1996 BMW 530 vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1996 BMW 530. (193 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 530 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2011 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 530 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 530 | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 530 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 64 L |
