1972 BMW 520 vs. 1996 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1996 Mazda RX-7.
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, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1996 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
