2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2005 BMW 525
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2005 BMW 525. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 525 weights approximately 318 kg more than 2008 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, 2005 BMW 525 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 2005 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2005 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-8 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 9.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
