1973 BMW 3 vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 33 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3. (203 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3 weights approximately 141 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
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 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3 | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 3 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3153 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 287 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
