2002 BMW 318 vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 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 45 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, 2002 BMW 318 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 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 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 318 | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 6.4 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 | 1470 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
