2002 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 318 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2003 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, 2002 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda RX-8. 2002 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 318 | 2003 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 199 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
