1984 BMW 316 vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,767 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1984 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1984 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 316. 1984 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 316 | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 316 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1767 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
