1982 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2003 Mazda 3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Escort (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 3 weights approximately 336 kg more than 1982 Ford Escort.
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, 2003 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Escort. (137 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Escort | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | 3 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
