2009 BMW 120 vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 140 kg more than 2005 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, 2009 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 120 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 120 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 60 L |
