1978 Mazda RX-3 vs. 1985 Pontiac 1000
To start off, 1985 Pontiac 1000 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 1,963 cc, 1978 Mazda RX-3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda RX-3 (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac 1000. (64 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac 1000 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-3.
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 Mazda RX-3 (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Pontiac 1000. (109 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda RX-3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Pontiac 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda RX-3 | 1985 Pontiac 1000 | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-3 | 1000 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1963 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2400 mm |
