2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 325 (194 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 325 should accelerate faster 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, 2011 BMW 325 (400 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 2008 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-8 | 325 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 110 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 61 L |
