2008 BMW 523 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 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 365 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 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 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2009 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 523 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
