1962 BMW 1500 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1500 would be higher. At 1,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 BMW 1500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1962 BMW 1500. (80 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 1500.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 1500. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1500 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 1500 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |
