1980 BMW 316 vs. 2002 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (238 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1980 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 268 kg more than 1980 BMW 316. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 316 | 2002 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 316 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 61 L |
