1973 BMW 3.3 vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 BMW 3.3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 BMW 3.3 would be higher. At 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3.3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1973 BMW 3.3. (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1973 BMW 3.3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3.3 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2005 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 3.3 (289 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3.3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3.3 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 3.3 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 60 L |
