2003 BMW 520 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 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 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 231 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW 520 | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 520 | RX-8 |
Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1308 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 167 HP | 232 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8500 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 216 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 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 | 1560 kg | 1329 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4430 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |