1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP) has 14 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. (134 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 Mercedes-Benz 230. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 has manual transmission. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mazda |
Model | 230 | 3 |
Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2298 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 134 HP | 148 HP |
Torque | 205 Nm | 183 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4590 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1755 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1471 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2639 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.3 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 12.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 55 L |