2004 BMW 525 vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2004 BMW 525. (189 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 336 kg more than 2006 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, 2004 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2004 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1308 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 | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1764 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
