2010 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW 523 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 175 kg more than 2010 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 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda RX-8. 2009 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 2010 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2010 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mazda RX-8 | 2009 BMW 523 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-8 | 523 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1300 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1341 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 70 L |
