1966 BMW 1602 vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2003 Mazda 3 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 BMW 1602. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 BMW 1602 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 3 (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1966 BMW 1602. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1966 BMW 1602. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 3 weights approximately 370 kg more than 1966 BMW 1602. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 BMW 1602 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 1966 BMW 1602. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 BMW 1602. (130 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 BMW 1602.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 BMW 1602 | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 1602 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 159 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 55 L |
