1976 Mazda RX-3 vs. 1978 Opel Senator
To start off, 1978 Opel Senator is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Opel Senator (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1976 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Senator weights approximately 645 kg more than 1976 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 Opel Senator (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mazda RX-3 | 1978 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | RX-3 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1964 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 248 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 44 L |
