2009 BMW 135 vs. 1978 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 31 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), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 470 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, 2009 BMW 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 135 | 1978 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 135 | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1963 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1300 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 | 1320 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 65 L |
