1968 Ford 17 vs. 1975 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1975 Mazda RX-3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 2,550 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Ford 17 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford 17 (123 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1975 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford 17 should accelerate faster than 1975 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Ford 17 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1975 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, 1968 Ford 17 (201 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Mazda RX-3. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Ford 17 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 17 | 1975 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | 17 | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2550 cc | 1964 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
