2006 BMW M3 vs. 1975 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 3,244 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 238 more horse power than 1975 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1975 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 805 kg more than 1975 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mazda RX-3. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1975 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | M3 | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3244 cc | 1964 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
