1996 Buick Roadmaster vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick Roadmaster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Roadmaster would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Buick Roadmaster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Roadmaster should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Roadmaster weights approximately 460 kg more than 2011 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Buick Roadmaster 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 1996 Buick Roadmaster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Roadmaster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3. 1996 Buick Roadmaster has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Roadmaster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Roadmaster | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Roadmaster | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5490 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2639 mm |
