2003 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (229 HP @ 8500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
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 M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (159 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.9 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
