1988 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1978 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1988 Ford Thunderbird 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (210 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 860 kg more than 1978 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, 1988 Ford Thunderbird (427 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Thunderbird | 1978 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1963 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2320 mm |
