1999 BMW Z8 vs. 1988 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1999 BMW Z8 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 1988 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW Z8 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1988 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, 1999 BMW Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW Z8 | 1988 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | Z8 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4939 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2440 mm |
