1982 Honda Prelude vs. 1978 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1982 Honda Prelude is newer by 4 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 10 more horse power than 1982 Honda Prelude. (90 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-3 should accelerate faster than 1982 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Honda Prelude weights approximately 40 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-3.
Because 1978 Mazda RX-3 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-3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Honda Prelude, 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, 1982 Honda Prelude (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Honda Prelude | 1978 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Prelude | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 1963 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
