2008 BMW 120 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 120 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2008 BMW 120. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 210 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 64 L |
