1998 BMW 318 vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.3 L/100km | 13.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
