1971 Chevrolet El Camino vs. 1978 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1978 Mazda RX-3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet El Camino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet El Camino would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet El Camino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet El Camino (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet El Camino should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet El Camino weights approximately 621 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, 1971 Chevrolet El Camino (324 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet El Camino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet El Camino | 1978 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | El Camino | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5013 cc | 1963 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1471 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 65 L |
