1976 Mazda 818 vs. 1978 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1978 Mazda RX-3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 1,963 cc, 1978 Mazda RX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda RX-3 (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1976 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mazda 818 weights approximately 152 kg more than 1978 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, 1978 Mazda RX-3 (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda RX-3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mazda 818 | 1978 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 818 | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1963 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2320 mm |
