1986 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2012 BMW 525
To start off, 2012 BMW 525 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,354 cc, 1986 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1986 Mazda RX-7. (185 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1986 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, 2012 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mazda RX-7. (246 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mazda RX-7. 2012 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1986 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1986 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Mazda RX-7 | 2012 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-7 | 525 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2968 mm |
