1998 BMW 317 vs. 1989 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1998 BMW 317 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1989 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1998 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 317 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1989 Mazda RX-7.
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, 1998 BMW 317 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 317 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 317 | 1989 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 317 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
