1988 BMW 535 vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 20 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (211 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 205 kg more than 2008 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 535 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 1988 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda RX-8 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 | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 535 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
