1978 Citroen Visa vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Citroen Visa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Citroen Visa would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1978 Citroen Visa. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Citroen Visa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 745 kg more than 1978 Citroen Visa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Citroen Visa. (86 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Citroen Visa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Citroen Visa | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | Visa | 3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1124 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2650 mm |
