1980 Buick Estate vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,030 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1980 Buick Estate. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Buick Estate weights approximately 597 kg more than 2011 Mazda 3.
Because 1980 Buick Estate 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 Estate. 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, 1980 Buick Estate (325 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Estate | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Estate | 3 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5030 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1980 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2639 mm |
