1977 Opel Monza 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 Opel Monza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Opel Monza would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Opel Monza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Opel Monza (180 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Opel Monza should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 16 kg more than 1977 Opel Monza.
Because 1977 Opel Monza 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 Opel Monza. 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 Opel Monza (248 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 Opel Monza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Opel Monza | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Opel | Mazda |
| Model | Monza | 3 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2969 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 248 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1367 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2639 mm |
