1979 Plymouth Volare 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 Plymouth Volare. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Plymouth Volare would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Plymouth Volare is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1979 Plymouth Volare. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Plymouth Volare. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Plymouth Volare weights approximately 225 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3.
Because 1979 Plymouth Volare 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 Plymouth Volare. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Plymouth Volare (232 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Plymouth Volare will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Plymouth Volare | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Plymouth | Mazda |
| Model | Volare | 3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2650 mm |
