2009 BMW 550 vs. 1970 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1970 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1970 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 702 kg more than 1970 Mazda RX-2. 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 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Mazda RX-2. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Mazda RX-2. 2009 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1970 Mazda RX-2 has manual transmission. 1970 Mazda RX-2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 1970 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 550 | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 2292 cc |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2480 mm |
