2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 4 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2012 BMW 120. (170 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 83 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 120. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-8 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 8.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 51 L |
