1996 BMW 540 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 690 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 540 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |
