1979 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 3 weights approximately 477 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. 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, 2011 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (105 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Corolla | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Corolla | 3 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 1297 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 55 L |
