2008 BMW 320 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 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 45 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 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.3 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
