Car comparison

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) · Facelift 2003 330CivsMazda 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

330Ci

231 hp2979 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe2003-2006
VS

Mazda RX-8

1.3 Wankel

240 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 330Ci

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.5 s
  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Highest torque
    300 Nm
    221 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.1 L/100 km
    25.8 mpg US
    31.0 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    692 km
    430 mi
  • Largest trunk
    410 L
  • Best overall score
    57/100
  • Best performance score
    58/100
  • Best economy score
    82/100
  • Best practicality score
    56/100

Mazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel

  • Most powerful
    240 hp
    179 kW
  • Lightest
    1,330 kg
    2,932 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    180 hp/t
    135 kW/t
    5.5 kg/hp

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelBMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330CiMazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
Power
231hp172kW
240hp179kW
Torque
300Nm221lb-ft
216Nm159lb-ft
Curb weight
1,430kg3,153lb
1,330kg2,932lb
Gross weight
1,920kg4,233lb
1,728kg3,810lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
255 km/h158 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
90.5s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
82.1s99% target: 252 km/h / 157 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.5s
6.5s
0-200 km/h
23.7s
Calculated
23.5s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.2s
Calculated
6.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.1L/100 km25.8mpg US31.0mpg UK
11.4L/100 km20.6mpg US24.8mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
12.8L/100 km18.4mpg US22.1mpg UK
-
Fuel consumption highway
6.9L/100 km34.1mpg US40.9mpg UK
-
Quarter mile
14.5s
Calculated
14.5s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
162hp/t120kW/t73hp/1000 lb
Calculated
180hp/t135kW/t82hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
210Nm/t140lb-ft/ton
Calculated
162Nm/t109lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
692km430mi
Calculated
535km332mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,979cc182cu in
1,308cc80cu in
Length
4,488mm177in
4,435mm175in
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
Trunk volume
410L
290L
Doors
2
4
Seats
5
4
Fuel tank
63L
61L

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 330CiMazda RX-8 1.3 WankelPowerTorque
  • BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Ci: 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 2003330Ci5,900 rpm3,500 rpm6,150 rpm
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel8,200 rpm7,500 rpm8,450 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricBMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330CiMazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.2 s
6.2 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.5 s
6.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
23.7 s
23.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
Unrestricted
255 km/h158 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.4 s
2.5 s
330 ft
101 m
6.4 s
6.4 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.5 s
9.6 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.3 s
12.3 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.5 s
14.5 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
161 km/h
100 mph
162 km/h
101 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci
231 hp
172 kW
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
240 hp
179 kW

Mazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel has 9 hp more than BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Ci.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Ci and Mazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel: 9 hp (7 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci
300 Nm
221 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 2003330Ci
1,430 kg
3,153 lb
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
1,330 kg
2,932 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 2003330Ci
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
Unrestricted
255 km/h158 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci6.5 s
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel6.5 s

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

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 2003330Ci
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
11.4 L/100 km
20.6 mpg US
24.8 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Ci and Mazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel: 2.3 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 2003330Ci
162 hp/t
120 kW/t
6.2 kg/hp
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
180 hp/t
135 kW/t
5.5 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 2003330Ci
692 km
430 mi
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
535 km
332 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
BMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330Ci
231 hp
172 kW
6.5 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
240 hp
179 kW
6.5 s
Unrestricted
255 km/h158 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 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 2003330Ci
Power
231 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 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
240 hp
179 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
255 km/h158 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
4 seats
Trunk
290 L
10.2 cu ft
Length
4,435 mm
174.6 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 2003330Ci
Power
231 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
Power
240 hp
179 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
255 km/h158 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
11.4 L/100 km
20.6 mpg US
24.8 mpg UK

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Ci 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 2003330Ci
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
6.5 s
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
11.4 L/100 km
20.6 mpg US
24.8 mpg UK
6.5 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 2003330Ci
162 hp/t
120 kW/t
6.2 kg/hp
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
MazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
180 hp/t
135 kW/t
5.5 kg/hp
11.4 L/100 km
20.6 mpg US
24.8 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleBMW3 Series Coupe (E46)Facelift 2003330CiMazdaRX-81.3 Wankel
Power
231 hp
172 kW
240 hp
179 kW
Torque
300 Nm
221 lb-ft
216 Nm
159 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.5 s
6.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
255 km/h158 mph
Restricted
240 km/h149 mph
Lightness
1,430 kg
3,153 lb
1,330 kg
2,932 lb
Fuel consumption
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
11.4 L/100 km
20.6 mpg US
24.8 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
4,435 mm
174.6 in
Height
1,340 mm
52.8 in
Range score
692 km
430 mi
535 km
332 mi
Trunk score
410 L
14.5 cu ft
290 L
10.2 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
162 hp/t
120 kW/t
6.2 kg/hp
180 hp/t
135 kW/t
5.5 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 330CiMazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel
Consumption9.1 L/100 km25.8 mpg US31 mpg UK11.4 L/100 km20.6 mpg US24.8 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km15.92 LC100 km19.95 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi25.63 LC100 mi32.11 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,365 L361 US gal300 UK gal1,710 L452 US gal376 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,389 LC/year2,993 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) Facelift 2003 330Ci

  • Has 84 Nm more
  • Has 5 km/h (3 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 2.3 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 157 km (98 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 120 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Heaviest

Mazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel

  • Has 9 hp more
  • Is 100 kg lighter
  • Has 19 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

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

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
BMW 3 Series Coupe (E46) 330Ci
Mazda RX-8 1.3 Wankel
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2 vehicles selected

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