1976 Mazda RX-3 vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 21 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 1,964 cc, 1976 Mazda RX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1976 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 560 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz C (171 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 1997 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-3 | C |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1964 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 62 L |
