1978 BMW M1 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 M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1978 BMW M1.
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 M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW M1 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M1 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 61 L |
