1996 BMW 540 vs. 1993 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1993 Mazda RX-7. (238 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1993 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1993 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 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mazda RX-7. (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 1993 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 540 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
