1988 BMW 535 vs. 1989 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 535 (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (149 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1989 Mazda RX-7. 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 535 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda RX-7. 1988 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 1989 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 535 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2440 mm |
