1988 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1988 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1988 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1988 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, 2008 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda RX-7. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1988 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1988 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mazda RX-7 | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-7 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2730 mm |
