2006 BMW M3 vs. 2004 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 263 kg more than 2004 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
