2009 BMW 118 vs. 1998 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 11 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 2,616 cc, 1998 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (265 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 118 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Mazda RX-7 (294 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118. 2009 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 1998 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 118 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 76 L |
