1981 BMW 528 vs. 1995 Mazda 323
To start off, 1995 Mazda 323 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1995 Mazda 323. (82 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1995 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1995 Mazda 323. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 BMW 528 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 BMW 528. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Mazda 323, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda 323. (168 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 1995 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 528 | 323 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
