1979 Honda Accord vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1979 Honda Accord. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 855 kg more than 1979 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Honda Accord | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | 3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
