1992 BMW 316 vs. 1973 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1992 BMW 316 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 1,964 cc, 1973 Mazda RX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 316 (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1973 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 316 weights approximately 458 kg more than 1973 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, 1992 BMW 316 (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 316 | 1973 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 316 | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1964 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 65 L |
