2005 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 17 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 342 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, 2005 BMW M3 (330 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1988 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
