1973 BMW 3 vs. 1987 Mazda 929
To start off, 1987 Mazda 929 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,153 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3 (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1987 Mazda 929. (114 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Mazda 929 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1973 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, 1973 BMW 3 (287 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mazda 929. (184 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 1987 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 3 | 929 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 2183 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2720 mm |
