1998 BMW 320 vs. 1977 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 1,964 cc, 1977 Mazda RX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1977 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 624 kg more than 1977 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, 1998 BMW 320 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1977 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 320 | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1964 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
