1998 BMW 323 vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1998 BMW 323. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 323 weights approximately 173 kg more than 2008 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 323 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 323 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.8 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
