1974 BMW 3 vs. 2009 Mazda 6
To start off, 2009 Mazda 6 is newer by 35 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 30 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 6. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 6 weights approximately 117 kg more than 1974 BMW 3.
Because 1974 BMW 3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 BMW 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 6, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 6. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 BMW 3 | 2009 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 3 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2800 mm |
