1980 Suzuki Jimny 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 Suzuki Jimny. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Suzuki Jimny would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1980 Suzuki Jimny. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Suzuki Jimny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 693 kg more than 1980 Suzuki Jimny. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Suzuki Jimny is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Suzuki Jimny will offer significantly more control. 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 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Suzuki Jimny. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Suzuki Jimny. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1980 Suzuki Jimny has manual transmission. 1980 Suzuki Jimny will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Suzuki Jimny | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Suzuki | Mazda |
| Model | Jimny | 3 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 539 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3200 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2639 mm |
