1976 Ford Fairlane vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Fairlane (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 152 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Fairlane 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 1976 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1976 Ford Fairlane (328 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Fairlane | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fairlane | 3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2639 mm |
