2009 BMW 120 vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 1 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), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 96 kg more than 2009 BMW 120. 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, 2009 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.1 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 61 L |
