2009 BMW 120 vs. 1974 Mazda RX-4
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mazda RX-4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mazda RX-4 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1974 Mazda RX-4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1974 Mazda RX-4. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mazda RX-4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 216 kg more than 1974 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 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 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 1974 Mazda RX-4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1974 Mazda RX-4 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 120 | RX-4 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
