2008 BMW 318 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 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318.
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 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
