1998 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2005 BMW 316
To start off, 2005 BMW 316 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (280 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2005 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 316 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1998 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 Mazda RX-7 (315 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 316. 2005 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda RX-7 | 2005 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-7 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 63 L |
