1978 Mazda RX-3 vs. 1991 Nissan Sunny
To start off, 1991 Nissan Sunny is newer by 13 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 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Nissan Sunny is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda RX-3 (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1991 Nissan Sunny. (74 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-3 should accelerate faster than 1991 Nissan Sunny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Nissan Sunny weights approximately 310 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-3.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mazda RX-3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Nissan Sunny, 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, 1978 Mazda RX-3 (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Nissan Sunny. (132 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda RX-3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Nissan Sunny.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda RX-3 | 1991 Nissan Sunny | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-3 | Sunny |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1963 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1530 mm |
