1983 BMW 525 vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,691 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 525 weights approximately 72 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1983 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 1983 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2691 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
