1979 Ford LTD vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 30 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 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford LTD (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford LTD should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford LTD weights approximately 601 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 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 (332 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 1979 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2009 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 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | LTD | 3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
