1976 Ford Escort vs. 1977 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1977 Mazda RX-3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,964 cc, 1977 Mazda RX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Mazda RX-3 (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1976 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Mazda RX-3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Escort weights approximately 58 kg more than 1977 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, 1977 Mazda RX-3 (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1977 Mazda RX-3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Escort | 1977 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1964 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 65 L |
