2009 BMW M5 vs. 1988 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 2009 BMW M5 is newer by 21 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 4,999 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 352 more horse power than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1988 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M5 weights approximately 606 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, 2009 BMW M5 (520 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Mazda RX-7. (186 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Mazda RX-7. 2009 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 1988 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1988 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M5 | 1988 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M5 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4999 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 520 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1836 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2440 mm |
