1972 BMW 520 vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 34 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 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 316 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 520 | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 520 | RX-8 |
Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1311 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 232 HP |
Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 8500 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 216 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 73 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.6 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1129 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4430 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |