1961 Mazda R 360 vs. 1976 Mazda RX-4
To start off, 1976 Mazda RX-4 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mazda R 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mazda R 360 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1976 Mazda RX-4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mazda RX-4 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1961 Mazda R 360. (16 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mazda RX-4 should accelerate faster than 1961 Mazda R 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mazda RX-4 weights approximately 730 kg more than 1961 Mazda R 360. 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, 1976 Mazda RX-4 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mazda R 360. (22 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Mazda RX-4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mazda R 360.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Mazda R 360 | 1976 Mazda RX-4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | R 360 | RX-4 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 16 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 22 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 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 | 380 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2990 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1770 mm | 2520 mm |
