1987 Ford Sierra vs. 1978 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1987 Ford Sierra is newer by 9 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 11 more horse power than 1987 Ford Sierra. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Sierra weights approximately 240 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-3.
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, 1987 Ford Sierra (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 1978 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Sierra | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1963 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2320 mm |
