2005 BMW Z4 vs. 2002 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 BMW Z4 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 2,616 cc, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (238 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2005 BMW Z4. (141 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 13 kg more than 2005 BMW Z4. 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, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW Z4. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW Z4 | 2002 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | Z4 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
