1978 Mazda RX-3 vs. 1997 Renault Spider
To start off, 1997 Renault Spider is newer by 19 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Renault Spider (140 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Spider weights approximately 140 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, 1997 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Spider 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 | 1997 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | RX-3 | Spider |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1963 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 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 | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2350 mm |
