2003 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Mazda 929
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1980 Mazda 929. (89 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 233 kg more than 1980 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda 929. (160 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1980 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | 929 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2620 mm |
