2003 BMW 320 vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 320 weights approximately 83 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, 2003 BMW 320 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 2003 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 320 | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.1 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
