1983 BMW 316 vs. 1998 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (280 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda RX-7 weights approximately 280 kg more than 1983 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, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (315 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316. 1983 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 1998 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 316 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
