1998 BMW 325 vs. 1997 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1998 BMW 325 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1997 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mazda RX-7 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1998 BMW 325. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 325 weights approximately 124 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Mazda RX-7 (271 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 325. (220 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1997 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 325.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 1997 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 325 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1434 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2430 mm |
