1983 BMW 316 vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,998 cc, 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (139 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1983 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 144 kg more than 1983 BMW 316. 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, 2006 Mazda 3 (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 316. 1983 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 316 | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 316 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1765 cc | 1998 cc |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
