1988 BMW 525 vs. 1971 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1971 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1971 Mazda RX-2. 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, 1988 BMW 525 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mazda RX-2. (158 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mazda RX-2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1971 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2480 mm |
