1998 BMW Z3 vs. 1981 Mazda 929
To start off, 1998 BMW Z3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW Z3 (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1981 Mazda 929. (89 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW Z3 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1981 Mazda 929. 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 Z3 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mazda 929. (160 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 1981 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | Z3 | 929 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 98 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2620 mm |
