2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 6 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2012 BMW 320. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 320 weights approximately 67 kg more than 2006 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, 2012 BMW 320 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-8 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 57 L |
