1971 Buick Centurion vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Buick Centurion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Buick Centurion would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Buick Centurion (226 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (149 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Buick Centurion should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Buick Centurion weights approximately 830 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Buick Centurion 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 Buick Centurion. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 1971 Buick Centurion (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Buick Centurion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 1971 Buick Centurion has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Buick Centurion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Buick Centurion | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Centurion | 3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2650 mm |
