1980 Holden Commodore 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 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Holden Commodore (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 3 kg more than 1980 Holden Commodore.
Because 1980 Holden Commodore 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 Holden Commodore. 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 Holden Commodore (352 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 1980 Holden Commodore 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 Holden Commodore will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Holden Commodore | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Commodore | 3 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5042 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 352 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2639 mm |
