1989 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2004 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,614 cc, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (200 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1989 Mazda RX-7.
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, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (264 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318. 2004 BMW 318 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. 2004 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda RX-7 | 2004 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-7 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2614 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 238 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2710 mm |
