1976 Mazda RX-3 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 29 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 5,438 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS (469 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 369 more horse power than 1976 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 1070 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS (700 Nm @ 2650 RPM) has 565 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-3 | CLS |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1964 cc | 5438 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 469 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2650 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
