1981 Honda Accord vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (146 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (135 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | 3 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
