1968 Chevrolet Nova vs. 2011 Mazda 5
To start off, 2011 Mazda 5 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 5 (157 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. (109 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 5 weights approximately 176 kg more than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Chevrolet Nova 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 1968 Chevrolet Nova. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 5, 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, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 5. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 5. 2011 Mazda 5 has automatic transmission and 1968 Chevrolet Nova has manual transmission. 1968 Chevrolet Nova will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda 5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Nova | 2011 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Nova | 5 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1568 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2751 mm |
