2005 BMW 525 vs. 2002 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,615 cc, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2005 BMW 525. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 525 weights approximately 350 kg more than 2002 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, 2005 BMW 525 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 525 | 2002 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2615 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
