1979 Ford LTD vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 5,763 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford LTD (297 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford LTD should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford LTD weights approximately 550 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford LTD 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 Ford LTD. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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 Ford LTD (525 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3. 1979 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford LTD | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | LTD | 3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5763 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 297 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2650 mm |
