1972 Alfa Romeo GT vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Alfa Romeo GT 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 17 more horse power than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. (131 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 600 kg more than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Alfa Romeo GT 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 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alfa Romeo GT | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | GT | 3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
