1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1976 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1978 Lancia Beta is newer by 2 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 1,964 cc, 1976 Mazda RX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mazda RX-3 (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mazda RX-3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lancia Beta weights approximately 150 kg more than 1976 Mazda RX-3.
Because 1976 Mazda RX-3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1976 Mazda RX-3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Lancia Beta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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-3 (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1976 Mazda RX-3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1976 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Beta | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1964 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 65 L |
