1978 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,489 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda 3 (165 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda 3 weights approximately 348 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mazda RX-7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2013 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-7. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-7. 2013 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1978 Mazda RX-7 has manual transmission. 1978 Mazda RX-7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda RX-7 | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-7 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |
