2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 6 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 21 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 133 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 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 120. 2010 BMW 120 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. 2010 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda RX-8 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-8 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 53 L |
