1976 Mazda RX-3 vs. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 30 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 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1976 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 1226 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.
Because 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Mazda RX-3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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 | 2006 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-3 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1964 cc | 4015 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 2076 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 85 L |
