1987 BMW 324 vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 324. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 324 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1987 BMW 324. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 96 kg more than 1987 BMW 324. 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 324. (214 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 324.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 324 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 324 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.9 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.7 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
