2008 BMW 120 vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 120 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2005 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, 2008 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 2008 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.2 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1065 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
