1979 Buick Electra vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,942 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1979 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 425 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 1979 Buick Electra 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 1979 Buick Electra. 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, 1979 Buick Electra (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 1979 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Electra | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Electra | 3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2639 mm |
