2006 BMW 523 vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,497 cc, 2006 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2006 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 410 kg more than 2007 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, 2006 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 523 | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 523 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1307 cc |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
