2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2006 BMW 318
To start off, 2006 BMW 318 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2006 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2006 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 318. 2006 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2006 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-8 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1307 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 9.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 63 L |
