2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 188 kg more than 2004 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 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 318. 2009 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda RX-8 | 2009 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-8 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 63 L |
