1980 Buick Electra vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,032 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Buick Electra (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (113 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 1980 Buick Electra 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 1980 Buick Electra. 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, 1980 Buick Electra (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (270 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 1980 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Electra | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Electra | 3 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2639 mm |
