Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) · Facelift 2003 330CdvsMazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) · Facelift 2003

330Cd

204 hp2993 ccDieselRWDAutomaticTurbochargedCoupe2003-2005
VS

Mazda RX-8

1.3 Wankel

192 hp1308 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe2003-2009

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd

  • Fastest top speed
    235 km/h
    146 mph
  • Most powerful
    204 hp
    152 kW
  • Highest torque
    410 Nm
    302 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    7.7 L/100 km
    30.5 mpg US
    36.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    10.6 L/100 km
    22.2 mpg US
    26.6 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.1 L/100 km
    38.6 mpg US
    46.3 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    818 km
    508 mi
  • Largest trunk
    410 L
  • Best overall score
    54/100
  • Best performance score
    53/100
  • Best economy score
    86/100
  • Best practicality score
    56/100

Mazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    7.2 s
  • Lightest
    1,373 kg
    3,027 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    140 hp/t
    104 kW/t
    7.2 kg/hp

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330CdMazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
Power
204hp152kW
192hp143kW
Torque
410Nm302lb-ft
216Nm159lb-ft
Curb weight
1,555kg3,428lb
1,373kg3,027lb
Gross weight
2,055kg4,530lb
1,820kg4,012lb
Top speed
235 km/h
146 mph
222 km/h
138 mph
To 99% top speed
93.2s99% target: 233 km/h / 145 mph
Calculated
78.0s99% target: 220 km/h / 137 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
7.4s
7.2s
0-200 km/h
32.4s
Calculated
34.9s
Calculated
0-60 mph
7.0s
Calculated
6.8s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
7.7L/100 km30.5mpg US36.7mpg UK
10.6L/100 km22.2mpg US26.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
10.6L/100 km22.2mpg US26.6mpg UK
14.9L/100 km15.8mpg US19.0mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.1L/100 km38.6mpg US46.3mpg UK
8.1L/100 km29mpg US34.9mpg UK
Quarter mile
15.3s
Calculated
15.2s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
131hp/t98kW/t60hp/1000 lb
Calculated
140hp/t104kW/t63hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
264Nm/t176lb-ft/ton
Calculated
157Nm/t105lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
818km508mi
Calculated
575km358mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,993cc183cu in
1,308cc80cu in
Length
4,488mm177in
4,430mm174in
Width
1,757mm69in
1,770mm70in
Height
1,369mm54in
1,340mm53in
Wheelbase
2,725mm107in
2,700mm106in
Front track
1,471mm58in
1,500mm59in
Rear track
1,483mm58in
1,505mm59in
Ground clearance-
140mm6in
Trunk volume
410L
290L
Doors
2
4
Seats
5
4
Fuel tank
63L
61L
CO2 emissions-
267g/km

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330CdMazda RX-8 1.3 WankelPowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd: Power / Torque
  • Mazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd4,000 rpm1,500 rpm4,250 rpm
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel7,000 rpm2,500 rpm7,500 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330CdMazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
7.0 s
6.8 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
7.4 s
7.2 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
32.4 s
34.9 s
Top speed
235 km/h
146 mph
222 km/h
138 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.5 s
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
6.6 s
6.6 s
1/8 mile
201 m
10.0 s
9.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.9 s
12.8 s
1/4 mile
402 m
15.3 s
15.2 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
150 km/h
93 mph
151 km/h
94 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
204 hp
152 kW
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
192 hp
143 kW

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd has 12 hp more than Mazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel.

The biggest power difference is between Mazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel and BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd: 12 hp (9 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
410 Nm
302 lb-ft
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
216 Nm
159 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
1,555 kg
3,428 lb
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
1,373 kg
3,027 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
235 km/h
146 mph
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
222 km/h
138 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Although BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd has more power, Mazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Mazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel and BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd: 0.2 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 mpg UK
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
10.6 L/100 km
22.2 mpg US
26.6 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd and Mazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel: 2.9 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
131 hp/t
98 kW/t
7.6 kg/hp
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
140 hp/t
104 kW/t
7.2 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
818 km
508 mi
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
575 km
358 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
204 hp
152 kW
7.4 s
235 km/h
146 mph
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
192 hp
143 kW
7.2 s
222 km/h
138 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
Power
204 hp
152 kW
0-100 km/h7.4 s
Top speed
235 km/h
146 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,488 mm
176.7 in
Height
1,369 mm
53.9 in
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
Power
192 hp
143 kW
0-100 km/h7.2 s
Top speed
222 km/h
138 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
4 seats
Trunk
290 L
10.2 cu ft
Length
4,430 mm
174.4 in
Height
1,340 mm
52.8 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
Power
204 hp
152 kW
0-100 km/h7.4 s
Top speed
235 km/h
146 mph
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 mpg UK
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
Power
192 hp
143 kW
0-100 km/h7.2 s
Top speed
222 km/h
138 mph
10.6 L/100 km
22.2 mpg US
26.6 mpg UK

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 mpg UK
7.4 s
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
10.6 L/100 km
22.2 mpg US
26.6 mpg UK
7.2 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Cd
131 hp/t
98 kW/t
7.6 kg/hp
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 mpg UK
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
140 hp/t
104 kW/t
7.2 kg/hp
10.6 L/100 km
22.2 mpg US
26.6 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330CdMazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
Power
204 hp
152 kW
192 hp
143 kW
Torque
410 Nm
302 lb-ft
216 Nm
159 lb-ft
Acceleration
7.4 s
7.2 s
Top speed
235 km/h
146 mph
222 km/h
138 mph
Lightness
1,555 kg
3,428 lb
1,373 kg
3,027 lb
Fuel consumption
7.7 L/100 km
30.5 mpg US
36.7 mpg UK
10.6 L/100 km
22.2 mpg US
26.6 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
410 L
14.5 cu ft
Length
4,488 mm
176.7 in
Height
1,369 mm
53.9 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
4 seats
Trunk
290 L
10.2 cu ft
Length
4,430 mm
174.4 in
Height
1,340 mm
52.8 in
Range score
818 km
508 mi
575 km
358 mi
CO2 score
-
267 g/km
Trunk score
410 L
14.5 cu ft
290 L
10.2 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
131 hp/t
98 kW/t
7.6 kg/hp
140 hp/t
104 kW/t
7.2 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleBMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330CdMazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel
Consumption7.7 L/100 km30.5 mpg US36.7 mpg UK10.6 L/100 km22.2 mpg US26.6 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km13.48 LC100 km18.55 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi21.69 LC100 mi29.85 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,155 L305 US gal254 UK gal1,590 L420 US gal350 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,021 LC/year2,783 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Cd

  • Has 12 hp more
  • Has 194 Nm more
  • Has 13 km/h (8 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 2.9 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 243 km (151 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 120 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Heaviest

Mazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel

  • Is 182 kg lighter
  • Is 0.2 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 9 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Lowest top speed
  • Smallest trunk

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Model
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BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) 330Cd
Mazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel
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