2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2006 BMW Z4
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 BMW Z4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 BMW Z4 would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2006 BMW Z4. (168 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2006 BMW Z4. 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 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW Z4. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW Z4. 2006 BMW Z4 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. 2006 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2006 BMW Z4 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-8 | Z4 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 7.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
