2006 BMW 523 vs. 1996 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2006 BMW 523 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2006 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 523 weights approximately 322 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 523 | 1996 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 523 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
