1973 Mazda RX-4 vs. 2004 BMW 316
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mazda RX-4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mazda RX-4 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1973 Mazda RX-4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mazda RX-4 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2004 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mazda RX-4 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 316 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1973 Mazda RX-4.
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, 2004 BMW 316 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mazda RX-4. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mazda RX-4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mazda RX-4 | 2004 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-4 | 316 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2730 mm |
