1988 BMW 530 vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1988 BMW 530. (188 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 530 weights approximately 208 kg more than 2005 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 530 (261 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 530 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 530 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 530 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 530 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 188 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 261 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1593 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2680 mm |
