Mazda RX-8 vs Subaru BRZ: specs side by side
Quick comparison from catalog data - no editorial review of this pair yet.
Mazda · 2003–2012
RX-8 SE3P
Price from €29,600 (2003)
- Power
- 141–177 kW192–241 PS
- Top speed
- -
- Kerb mass
- -
Subaru · 2021–present
BRZ ZD8
- Power
- 173 kW235 PS
- Top speed
- 225 km/h
- Kerb mass
- 1,350 kg
At a glance
Who suits what, worked out from the catalog figures of the versions above.
Categories won: RX-8 SE3P 0 BRZ ZD8 2
- Running costs BRZ ZD8 Fuel per year: €2,310 vs €3,260 (estimated)
- Off-road BRZ ZD8 Drive and body: Rear-wheel drive · Coupe vs Rear-wheel drive · Coupe
In plain words
At 15,000 km a year, fuel would cost about €3,260 (Mazda RX-8), €2,310 (Subaru BRZ) (estimated). Mazda RX-8 is the older design (from 2003); Subaru BRZ arrived in 2012. Subaru BRZ is still in production; Mazda RX-8 is not. On the catalog figures, the Subaru BRZ is the pick for running costs and off-road. Our catalog has no kerb mass for the Mazda RX-8 yet, so some checks above leave it out.
Full specifications
| Mazda RX-8 | Subaru BRZ | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Version | 1.3 L 2 cyl Automatic (S6) · 2011 (EPA) | BRZ ZD8 · 2.4 · petrol · 173 kW (235 PS) |
| Production years | 2003–2012 | 2021–present |
| Body | Coupe | Coupe |
| Class | Sports car | Sports car |
| Country | Japan | Japan |
| Performance | ||
| Power Why it matters: More power means stronger acceleration and easier overtaking, especially with a full load. | 141–177 kW (192–241 PS) 189–237 hp | 173 kW (235 PS) 232 hp |
| Power, all versions | 141–177 kW (192–241 PS) 189–237 hp | 147–173 kW (200–235 PS) 197–232 hp |
| Torque Why it matters: Torque is the pulling force you feel when accelerating from low revs, towing or climbing hills. | No data | 250 Nm 184 lb-ft |
| Top speed Why it matters: Top speed hints at how relaxed the car is at motorway speeds, even if you never reach it. | No data | 225 km/h 140 mph |
| Power per tonne | No data | 128 kW/t 156 hp/ton calculated |
| Engine and transmission | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,300 cc · 2 cyl 1.3 l | 2,387 cc 2.4 l |
| Engine code | No data | FA24 |
| Gearbox | 6-speed automatic | No data |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Dimensions and weight | ||
| Kerb weight Why it matters: A lighter car is usually more agile and uses less energy. | No data | 1,350 kg 2,976 lb |
| Economy and running costs | ||
| Fuel consumption Why it matters: Lower consumption cuts running costs and CO₂ emissions on every trip. | 12.4 l/100 km 19.0 mpg US | 8.8 l/100 km 26.7 mpg US Better |
| CO₂ | No data | 200 g/km |
| Fuel cost per year | €3,260/year estimated | €2,310/year estimated Better |
| Price | ||
| Price | from €29,600 (2003) | No data |
These cars do not differ in the data we have.
Equal rows hidden (5): Body, Class, Country, Fuel, Drive.
Better marks the stronger figure - only for measurable specs (power, torque, 0–100 km/h, consumption, boot, weight).
Estimated at 15,000 km a year with fuel at €1.75/l petrol.