1978 BMW 730 vs. 1997 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1997 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda RX-7 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1978 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1978 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 730 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Mazda RX-7 (271 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 BMW 730. (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 BMW 730.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 730 | 1997 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 730 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2430 mm |
