1978 Cadillac Seville vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Cadillac Seville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Cadillac Seville would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Cadillac Seville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1978 Cadillac Seville. (123 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Cadillac Seville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Cadillac Seville weights approximately 507 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 1978 Cadillac Seville 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 1978 Cadillac Seville. 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, 1978 Cadillac Seville (304 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Cadillac Seville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Cadillac Seville | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mazda |
| Model | Seville | 3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 60 L |
