1990 Ford Sierra vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1990 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1990 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1990 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 1990 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Sierra. (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Sierra | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Sierra | 3 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1015 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2650 mm |
