2002 BMW 520 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 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2002 BMW 520. (168 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 520 weights approximately 245 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 520 | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
