2005 BMW 320 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2005 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 320 weights approximately 395 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 320 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
