2008 BMW M3 vs. 1989 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (200 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 285 kg more than 1989 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda RX-7. (264 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1989 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2614 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2430 mm |
