2006 BMW 530 vs. 2002 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 BMW 530 is newer by 4 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 2,979 cc, 2006 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 2006 BMW 530. (23 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 530 weights approximately 240 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, 2006 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda RX-8. 2006 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 530 | 2002 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 530 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2615 cc |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
