1987 BMW 324 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 324. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 324 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1987 BMW 324. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 123 kg more than 1987 BMW 324. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 BMW 324 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 1987 BMW 324. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3, 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 324. (214 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 324.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 324 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 324 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
