1977 Ford LTD vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford LTD would be higher. At 5,763 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Ford LTD (296 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Ford LTD should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Ford LTD weights approximately 490 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 1977 Ford LTD 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 1977 Ford LTD. 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, 1977 Ford LTD (525 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1977 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford LTD | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | LTD | 3 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5763 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2639 mm |
