1988 Fiat Tipo vs. 1978 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1988 Fiat Tipo is newer by 10 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 17 more horse power than 1988 Fiat Tipo. (83 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Fiat Tipo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Fiat Tipo weights approximately 200 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, 1988 Fiat Tipo, 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, 1978 Mazda RX-3 (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Fiat Tipo. (130 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda RX-3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Fiat Tipo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Fiat Tipo | 1978 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Tipo | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1581 cc | 1963 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2320 mm |
