1984 Ford Sierra vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1984 Ford Sierra. (75 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 3 weights approximately 343 kg more than 1984 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Ford Sierra 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 1984 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Sierra. (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Sierra. 2011 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1984 Ford Sierra has manual transmission. 1984 Ford Sierra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Sierra | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Sierra | 3 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
