1980 BMW M1 vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M1 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 BMW M1 (273 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 BMW M1 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M1 weights approximately 26 kg more than 2011 Mazda RX-8. 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, 1980 BMW M1 (330 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M1 | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M1 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 273 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2703 mm |
