1999 Ford Falcon vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Falcon (220 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Falcon weights approximately 122 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 Ford Falcon 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 1999 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1999 Ford Falcon (366 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1999 Ford Falcon has manual transmission. 1999 Ford Falcon 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:
| 1999 Ford Falcon | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Falcon | 3 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3984 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 60 L |
