1974 Honda Life vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,998 cc, 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (145 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1974 Honda Life. (29 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 752 kg more than 1974 Honda Life. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Honda Life. (28 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Honda Life | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Life | 3 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 356 cc | 1998 cc |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 28 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 50.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 113 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2090 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
