1978 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Corolla. (53 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Corolla.
Because 1978 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Corolla. (85 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Toyota Corolla | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Corolla | 3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1166 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
