1971 BMW 3 vs. 1979 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1979 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1979 Mazda RX-7. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1979 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, 1971 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1979 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 3 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2292 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 65 L |
