2009 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW M3 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 182 more horse power than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 140 kg more than 2011 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 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
