1988 Lada Samara vs. 1978 Mazda RX-3
To start off, 1988 Lada Samara 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 30 more horse power than 1988 Lada Samara. (70 HP @ 5550 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lada Samara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lada Samara weights approximately 70 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 Lada Samara, 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 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lada Samara. (117 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda RX-3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lada Samara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lada Samara | 1978 Mazda RX-3 | |
| Make | Lada | Mazda |
| Model | Samara | RX-3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1963 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5550 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2320 mm |
