1980 Chevrolet Caprice 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 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 337 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 1980 Chevrolet Caprice 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 Chevrolet Caprice. 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 Chevrolet Caprice (334 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Chevrolet Caprice | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
Model | Caprice | 3 |
Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5002 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 334 Nm | 228 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1383 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4506 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1755 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1471 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2639 mm |