1984 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1984 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1984 Ford Escort. 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 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Escort. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Escort | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | 3 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
