1974 Mazda RX-3 vs. 2012 BMW 335
To start off, 2012 BMW 335 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 335 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1974 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 335 weights approximately 955 kg more than 1974 Mazda RX-3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 BMW 335 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mazda RX-3 | 2012 BMW 335 | |
| Make | Mazda | BMW |
| Model | RX-3 | 335 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 57 L |
