1988 BMW 730 vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 730. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 730 would be higher. At 2,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1988 BMW 730. (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 730. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 730 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2011 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 730 (260 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 730 | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 730 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2984 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 64 L |
