1980 Buick Estate 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 Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Buick Estate would be higher. At 4,931 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1980 Buick Estate. (140 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Buick Estate.
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, 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Buick Estate. (318 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Buick Estate. 1980 Buick Estate 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 Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Buick Estate | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Estate | 3 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4931 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 318 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2639 mm |
