1996 BMW 535 vs. 1981 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1996 BMW 535 is newer by 15 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 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 535 (232 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 535 weights approximately 602 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, 1996 BMW 535 (320 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 1981 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 535 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2430 mm |
