1996 BMW 520 vs. 1978 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1996 BMW 520 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,292 cc, 1978 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 436 kg more than 1978 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, 1996 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 520 | 1978 Mazda RX-7 | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 520 | RX-7 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2292 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 105 HP |
Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 145 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1060 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2430 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |