1987 Ford Sierra 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 Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Sierra (204 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 133 kg more than 1987 Ford Sierra.
Because 1987 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 1987 Ford Sierra. 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, 1987 Ford Sierra (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Sierra | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Sierra | 3 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 204 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2639 mm |
