1978 Ford Falcon vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2010 Mazda 3 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1978 Ford Falcon. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 3 weights approximately 3 kg more than 1978 Ford Falcon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Falcon 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 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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 Ford Falcon (263 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Falcon | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Falcon | 3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2639 mm |
