2003 BMW 520 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 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW 520 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 520 | RX-8 |
Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1311 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 167 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 222 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1385 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4430 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2680 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 7.5 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 12.8 L/100km | 13.2 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |