1988 Chevrolet Sprint vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Chevrolet Sprint. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Chevrolet Sprint would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1988 Chevrolet Sprint. (47 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Chevrolet Sprint. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 625 kg more than 1988 Chevrolet Sprint. 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Chevrolet Sprint. (78 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Chevrolet Sprint. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1988 Chevrolet Sprint has manual transmission. 1988 Chevrolet Sprint will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Chevrolet Sprint | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Sprint | 3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 78 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3590 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2639 mm |
