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 (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) 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. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2006 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 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 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 7.2 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 | 1490 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
