1986 BMW M5 vs. 1998 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (265 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1986 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M5 weights approximately 279 kg more than 1998 Mazda RX-7.
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, 1986 BMW M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda RX-7. (294 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda RX-7. 1986 BMW M5 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. 1986 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 1998 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M5 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 294 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 | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 76 L |
