1971 Abarth 595 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Abarth 595. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Abarth 595 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1971 Abarth 595. (27 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Abarth 595. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 913 kg more than 1971 Abarth 595. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Abarth 595 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 1971 Abarth 595. 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 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Abarth 595. (45 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Abarth 595. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1971 Abarth 595 has manual transmission. 1971 Abarth 595 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:
| 1971 Abarth 595 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 595 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 60 L |
