1974 Mazda RX-3 vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 1978 Volvo 260 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1974 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 260 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1974 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, 1978 Volvo 260 (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Mazda RX-3 | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | RX-3 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 60 L |
