2004 BMW 535 vs. 1973 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 2004 BMW 535 is newer by 31 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 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 535 (268 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1973 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 535 weights approximately 978 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, 2004 BMW 535 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 425 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 535 | 1973 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 535 | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1964 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
