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, 2012 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 320 should accelerate faster 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 @ 2750 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (140 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. 2006 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-8 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2810 mm |
