1989 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 is newer by 23 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (200 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 695 kg more than 1989 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (264 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda RX-7 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-7 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2614 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2968 mm |
