1982 Ford Fairlane 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 Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1982 Ford Fairlane. (125 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 100 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 1982 Ford Fairlane 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 Fairlane. 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 Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Fairlane | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fairlane | 3 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2639 mm |
