2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2013 BMW M3
To start off, 2013 BMW M3 is newer by 8 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW M3 (408 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW M3 weights approximately 295 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2013 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2013 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2013 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-8 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 408 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0 : 1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4618 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1976 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1418 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 15.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 63 L |
