1982 Ford Crown Victoria vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Crown Victoria. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Crown Victoria would be higher. At 4,185 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Crown Victoria is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1982 Ford Crown Victoria. (118 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Crown Victoria. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Crown Victoria weights approximately 330 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 1982 Ford Crown Victoria 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 1982 Ford Crown Victoria. 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, 1982 Ford Crown Victoria (262 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Crown Victoria will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Crown Victoria | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Crown Victoria | 3 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4185 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5320 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2639 mm |
