1992 BMW 540 vs. 1981 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1992 BMW 540 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 3,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 590 kg more than 1981 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, 1992 BMW 540 (400 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 1981 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 540 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 65 L |
