1986 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 605 kg more than 2011 Mazda 3.
Because 1986 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1986 Chevrolet Caprice. 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, 1986 Chevrolet Caprice (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3. 1986 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Chevrolet Caprice | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Caprice | 3 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1902 kg | 1297 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2639 mm |
