1998 BMW M vs. 1977 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 BMW M is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mazda 323 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW M (328 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 1977 Mazda 323. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW M weights approximately 638 kg more than 1977 Mazda 323. 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 M (340 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mazda 323. (69 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW M | 1977 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M | 323 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 69 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 812 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 40 L |
