1999 BMW 318 vs. 1989 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1999 BMW 318 is newer by 10 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 (197 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1999 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 318 weights approximately 140 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, 1989 Mazda RX-7 (271 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 318 | 1989 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1440 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 75 L |
