2003 BMW 525 vs. 1980 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2003 BMW 525 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 525 (184 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 525 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1980 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, 2003 BMW 525 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 525 | 1980 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 525 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
