1978 Mazda RX-3 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 29 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 740 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-3 | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1963 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 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 | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 62 L |
