1978 Mazda RX-3 vs. 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante
To start off, 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante is newer by 10 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 5,341 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante (317 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante weights approximately 964 kg more than 1978 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, 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante (434 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda RX-3 | 1988 Aston Martin V8 Volante | |
| Make | Mazda | Aston Martin |
| Model | RX-3 | V8 Volante |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1963 cc | 5341 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 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 | 850 kg | 1814 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 97 L |
