1990 BMW 316 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1990 BMW 316. 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 316 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
