1998 BMW 316 vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1998 BMW 316. 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, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 316 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
