1978 BMW 520 vs. 1989 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1989 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (271 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 1989 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
