1972 Porsche 911 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1972 Porsche 911. (165 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1972 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 306 kg more than 1972 Porsche 911. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Porsche 911. (206 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Porsche 911 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Porsche | Mazda |
| Model | 911 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2339 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
