1972 BMW 3 vs. 1987 Mazda 626
To start off, 1987 Mazda 626 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1987 Mazda 626. (146 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 54 kg more than 1987 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 BMW 3 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 1972 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Mazda 626, 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, 1972 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda 626. (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1987 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 3 | 626 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2580 mm |
