1972 BMW 520 vs. 1976 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1976 Mazda RX-3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1976 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 595 kg more than 1976 Mazda RX-3. 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, 1972 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 1976 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 520 | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1964 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 65 L |
