1976 Toyota Corona vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1976 Toyota Corona. (84 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1976 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 85 kg more than 1976 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Toyota Corona 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 Toyota Corona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Toyota Corona. (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Toyota Corona. 2009 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1976 Toyota Corona has manual transmission. 1976 Toyota Corona will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Toyota Corona | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Corona | 3 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2650 mm |
