1979 Buick Estate vs. 2012 Mazda 5

To start off, 2012 Mazda 5 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Estate would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 5 (157 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1979 Buick Estate. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Estate weights approximately 302 kg more than 2012 Mazda 5.

Because 1979 Buick Estate 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 Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 5, 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 Estate (318 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 5. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 5.

Compare all specifications:

1979 Buick Estate 2012 Mazda 5
Make Buick Mazda
Model Estate 5
Year Released 1979 2012
Body Type Station Wagon Minivan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4942 cc 2500 cc
Engine Cylinders 8 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 138 HP 157 HP
Engine RPM 3600 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 318 Nm 221 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 4000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic 5-speed shiftable automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1870 kg 1568 kg
Vehicle Length 5510 mm 4585 mm
Vehicle Width 1990 mm 1750 mm
Vehicle Height 1440 mm 1615 mm
Wheelbase Size 2950 mm 2751 mm