1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1977 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1978 Bristol 412 is newer by 1 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 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1977 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 838 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, 1978 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 1977 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 412 | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 1964 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2320 mm |
