1959 BMW 700 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 753 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 BMW 700 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 BMW 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 700 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 695 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 60 L |
