1973 Mazda RX-3 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (242 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1973 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 688 kg more than 1973 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mazda RX-3 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-3 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1964 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 852 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 90 L |
