1978 Mazda RX-3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 28 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 845 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 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 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-3 | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1963 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
