2003 BMW 318 vs. 1988 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 15 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 2,616 cc, 1988 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mazda RX-7 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1988 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, 2003 BMW 318 (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda RX-7. 2003 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1988 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1988 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1988 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 318 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
