1969 Honda S800 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Honda S800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Honda S800 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1969 Honda S800. (67 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1969 Honda S800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 590 kg more than 1969 Honda S800. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Honda S800 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 1969 Honda S800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Honda S800. (66 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Honda S800. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1969 Honda S800 has manual transmission. 1969 Honda S800 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Honda S800 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | S800 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 789 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
