1978 Mazda RX-3 vs. 2001 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2001 Smart ForTwo is newer by 23 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 60 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mazda RX-3 weights approximately 35 kg more than 2001 Smart ForTwo. 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, 1978 Mazda RX-3 (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda RX-3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda RX-3 | 2001 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mazda | Smart |
| Model | RX-3 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1963 cc | 798 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 22 L |
