1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 455 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Oldsmobile | Mazda |
| Model | Ninety-Eight | 3 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4129 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1755 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5610 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2639 mm |
