1987 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1987 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 133 kg more than 1987 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Ford Mustang 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 1987 Ford Mustang. 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1987 Ford Mustang | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Mustang | 3 |
Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 176 Nm | 228 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1383 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4506 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1755 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1471 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2639 mm |