2008 BMW 523 vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP) has 53 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 148 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 523 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 228 HP |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
