1981 BMW 520 vs. 1989 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 10 kg more than 1981 BMW 520. 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, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 520. (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 520 | 1989 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2440 mm |
