1981 Ford Falcon vs. 1974 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1981 Ford Falcon is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Falcon (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1974 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1974 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Falcon weights approximately 520 kg more than 1974 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, 1981 Ford Falcon (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Falcon | 1974 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Falcon | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1962 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2320 mm |
