1988 BMW 525 vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1988 BMW 525. (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 147 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
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 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
