1990 Ford Tempo vs. 1976 Mazda RX-4
To start off, 1990 Ford Tempo is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mazda RX-4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mazda RX-4 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1976 Mazda RX-4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mazda RX-4 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1990 Ford Tempo. (96 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mazda RX-4 should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Tempo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Tempo weights approximately 40 kg more than 1976 Mazda RX-4.
Because 1976 Mazda RX-4 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 1976 Mazda RX-4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Ford Tempo, 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, 1990 Ford Tempo (175 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda RX-4. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Tempo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda RX-4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Tempo | 1976 Mazda RX-4 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Tempo | RX-4 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2520 mm |
