1972 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 37 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 12 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 46 kg more than 1972 BMW 3.
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, 1972 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 3 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
Make | BMW | Mazda |
Model | 3 | RX-8 |
Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1308 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 201 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 78.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.6 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 1420 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |