1978 Mazda RX-3 vs. 1999 Panoz AIV
To start off, 1999 Panoz AIV is newer by 21 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Panoz AIV weights approximately 330 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, 1999 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Panoz AIV 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 | 1999 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Mazda | Panoz |
| Model | RX-3 | AIV |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1963 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 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 | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 59 L |
