1974 Seat 1430 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Seat 1430. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Seat 1430 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 97 more horse power than 1974 Seat 1430. (70 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Seat 1430. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 453 kg more than 1974 Seat 1430. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Seat 1430 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 1974 Seat 1430. 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 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Seat 1430. (112 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Seat 1430.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Seat 1430 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Seat | Mazda |
| Model | 1430 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1438 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2639 mm |
