1971 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 745 kg more than 1971 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Ford Escort 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 Escort. 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Escort | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | 3 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2650 mm |
