2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1982 BMW 318
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 BMW 318 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1982 BMW 318. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1982 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 372 kg more than 1982 BMW 318. 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, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 BMW 318. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 BMW 318. 1982 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda RX-8 | 1982 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-8 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1765 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
