1975 Mazda RX-3 vs. 1976 Volvo 343
To start off, 1976 Volvo 343 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 1,964 cc, 1975 Mazda RX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Mazda RX-3 (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1976 Volvo 343. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Mazda RX-3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volvo 343. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volvo 343 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1975 Mazda RX-3.
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, 1975 Mazda RX-3 (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volvo 343. (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1975 Mazda RX-3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volvo 343.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Mazda RX-3 | 1976 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | RX-3 | 343 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1964 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
