1974 Mazda RX-3 vs. 2008 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2008 Toyota MR2 is newer by 34 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 1,962 cc, 1974 Mazda RX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota MR2 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1974 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1974 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 215 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, 2008 Toyota MR2 (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota MR2 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 | 2008 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-3 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 48 L |
