2002 BMW 330 vs. 2004 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 330 weights approximately 183 kg more than 2004 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2002 BMW 330 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 330 | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 330 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
