1977 Mazda RX-3 vs. 1976 Mazda RX-4
To start off, 1977 Mazda RX-3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda RX-4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda RX-4 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1976 Mazda RX-4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mazda RX-4 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1977 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mazda RX-4 should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mazda RX-4 weights approximately 258 kg more than 1977 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, 1976 Mazda RX-4 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Mazda RX-4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Mazda RX-3 | 1976 Mazda RX-4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-3 | RX-4 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1964 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 852 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2520 mm |
