1988 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2011 BMW 123
To start off, 2011 BMW 123 is newer by 23 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, 2011 BMW 123 (202 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 123 should accelerate faster than 1988 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 123 weights approximately 385 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, 2011 BMW 123 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 123 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Mazda RX-7 | 2011 BMW 123 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-7 | 123 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2660 mm |
