2003 BMW 330 vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2003 BMW 330. (189 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 330 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2003 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW 330 will offer significantly more control. 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 330 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 330 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 330 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
