2008 BMW 320 vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2008 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2003 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 61 L |
