1979 Honda Accord vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 29 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), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1979 Honda Accord. (89 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 305 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, 2008 Mazda 3 (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Honda Accord. (133 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | 3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1750 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
