2005 BMW M3 vs. 1998 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (323 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1998 Mazda RX-7. (265 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 460 kg more than 1998 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 (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda RX-7. (294 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1998 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 76 L |
