1977 Mazda RX-3 vs. 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 1,964 cc, 1977 Mazda RX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1977 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 103 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, 1977 Mazda RX-3 (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1977 Mazda RX-3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Mazda RX-3 | 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1964 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 852 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
