1957 Ford Popular vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2003 Mazda 3 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford Popular. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford Popular would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1957 Ford Popular. (26 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Popular. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 3 weights approximately 402 kg more than 1957 Ford Popular. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Ford Popular 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 1957 Ford Popular. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3, 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, 2003 Mazda 3 (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Ford Popular. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Ford Popular.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford Popular | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Popular | 3 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 738 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3880 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2610 mm |
