1988 Ford Meteor vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Meteor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Meteor would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1988 Ford Meteor. (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Meteor.
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, 2006 Mazda 3 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Meteor. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Meteor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Meteor | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Meteor | 3 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
