1981 Avanti Avanti vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Avanti Avanti. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Avanti Avanti would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Avanti Avanti is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Avanti Avanti (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Avanti Avanti should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Avanti Avanti weights approximately 240 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Avanti Avanti 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 1981 Avanti Avanti. 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, 1981 Avanti Avanti (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Avanti Avanti will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 1981 Avanti Avanti 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. 1981 Avanti Avanti will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Avanti Avanti | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Avanti | Mazda |
| Model | Avanti | 3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2639 mm |
