2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2007 BMW 523
To start off, 2007 BMW 523 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP) has 53 more horse power than 2007 BMW 523. (175 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 148 kg more than 2007 BMW 523. 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, 2007 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2007 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2007 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-8 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 175 HP |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
