1990 Nissan Micra vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Nissan Micra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Nissan Micra 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 118 more horse power than 1990 Nissan Micra. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Nissan Micra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 717 kg more than 1990 Nissan Micra. 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 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Nissan Micra. (73 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Nissan Micra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Nissan Micra | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Micra | 3 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 988 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 666 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2639 mm |
