1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1974 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1974 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1974 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 820 kg more than 1974 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 Chevrolet Caprice (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 1974 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Caprice | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1962 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2320 mm |
