1974 BMW 3 vs. 1987 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1987 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1987 Mazda RX-7. (197 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Mazda RX-7.
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, 1987 Mazda RX-7 (271 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 BMW 3. (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1987 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 BMW 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 1987 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 3 | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2440 mm |
