Mazda RX-8 vs BMW 8 Series
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Mazda RX-8
Price TBC
Coupe
Petrol
1.3L RENESIS Rotary (2-rotor)
170kW
12.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
290L
BMW 8 Series
$294,900 when new
RRP when new — this model is no longer sold new in Australia
Gran Coupe
Petrol
Petrol
390kW
10.7 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
440L
Mazda RX-8: we're still completing price, 0-100km/h, drive type and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The BMW 8 Series counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mazda RX-8 uses a 1.3L RENESIS Rotary (2-rotor) producing 170kW and 211Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to the wheels.
The BMW 8 Series responds with a Petrol making 390kW and 750Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.
The BMW 8 Series has the clear power advantage at 390kW vs 170kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mazda RX-8 measures 4,470mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 612mm shorter than the BMW 8 Series at 5,082mm (3,023mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 8 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 290L in the Mazda RX-8 and 440L in the BMW 8 Series, giving the BMW 8 Series a 150L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 12.6m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,677/year for the Mazda RX-8 and $3,050/year for the BMW 8 Series. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the BMW 8 Series.
Warranty: 3 years (Mazda RX-8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW 8 Series). The BMW 8 Series has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mazda RX-8 if: You or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 8 Series if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 8 Series takes 4 of 4 key spec categories. The BMW 8 Series will save you roughly $627 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW 8 Series has a clear edge. The BMW 8 Series adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mazda RX-8 and BMW 8 Series?
The BMW 8 Series is the cheapest at $294,900 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 8 Series uses the least fuel at 10.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mazda RX-8 and BMW 8 Series carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW 8 Series has the largest boot at 440L.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW 8 Series has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 8 Series makes the most power at 390kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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