2009 BMW 120 vs. 1972 Mazda RX-4
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mazda RX-4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mazda RX-4 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1972 Mazda RX-4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1972 Mazda RX-4. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1972 Mazda RX-4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1972 Mazda RX-4. 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, 2009 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Mazda RX-4. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Mazda RX-4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1972 Mazda RX-4 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | RX-4 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
