2008 BMW 330 vs. 1978 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 330 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 330 weights approximately 655 kg more than 1978 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, 2008 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 330 | 1978 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 330 | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1963 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
