1978 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 31 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 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1978 BMW 520. (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 520.
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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
1978 BMW 520 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 520 | RX-8 |
Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1306 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 232 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 216 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4470 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Consumption | 5 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 8.1 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 64 L |