1998 BMW 320 vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 296 kg more than 2007 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, 1998 BMW 320 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8. 1998 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.6 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.2 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
