2001 Acura RL vs. 1976 Mazda RX-4
To start off, 2001 Acura RL is newer by 25 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 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1976 Mazda RX-4. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1976 Mazda RX-4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura RL weights approximately 565 kg more than 1976 Mazda RX-4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Acura RL, 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, 2001 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mazda RX-4. (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mazda RX-4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura RL | 1976 Mazda RX-4 | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | RL | RX-4 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 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 | 1675 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2520 mm |
