1979 Ford LTD vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 32 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, 2011 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1979 Ford LTD. (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford LTD weights approximately 296 kg more than 2011 Mazda 3.
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, 2011 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 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3. 1979 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2011 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 | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | LTD | 3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
