1971 Chevrolet El Camino vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet El Camino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet El Camino would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet El Camino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet El Camino. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet El Camino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet El Camino weights approximately 346 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3.
Because 1971 Chevrolet El Camino 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 Chevrolet El Camino. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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 Chevrolet El Camino (324 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet El Camino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 1971 Chevrolet El Camino has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Chevrolet El Camino will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet El Camino | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | El Camino | 3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5013 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1471 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 55 L |
