1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 562 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser 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 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. 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, 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Mazda |
| Model | Vista Cruiser | 3 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2639 mm |
