Mazda RX-8 vs BMW M2
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Coupes 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 M2
From $123,900
Coupe
Petrol
Petrol
353kW
9.6 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
390L
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.
Track the Mazda RX-8 & BMW M2
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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 M2 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, heated front seats and Harman Kardon 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 M2 responds with a Petrol making 353kW and 600Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds.
The BMW M2 has the clear power advantage at 353kW 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, 110mm shorter than the BMW M2 at 4,580mm (2,747mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW M2 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 290L in the Mazda RX-8 and 390L in the BMW M2, giving the BMW M2 a 100L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,736/year for the BMW M2. That is a $941 annual difference in favour of the BMW M2.
Warranty: 3 years (Mazda RX-8) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW M2). The BMW M2 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 M2 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 M2 takes 4 of 4 key spec categories. The BMW M2 will save you roughly $941 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW M2 has a clear edge. The BMW M2 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 M2?
The BMW M2 is the cheapest at $123,900 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW M2 uses the least fuel at 9.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Mazda RX-8 and BMW M2 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 M2 has the largest boot at 390L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW M2 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BMW M2 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW M2 makes the most power at 353kW.
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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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