2005 BMW 318 vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 13 kg more than 2005 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 318. 2011 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2005 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2005 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1398 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
