1978 Plymouth Trail Duster 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 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 232 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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 Plymouth Trail Duster (238 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Plymouth Trail Duster | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Plymouth | Mazda |
| Model | Trail Duster | 3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3678 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 238 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2639 mm |
