1971 Ford 17 vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2010 Mazda 3 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford 17 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1971 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 3 weights approximately 226 kg more than 1971 Ford 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Ford 17 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 Ford 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford 17. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford 17 | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | 17 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1301 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
