2009 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2003 Mazda RX-8. 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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2003 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.6 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
