2003 Mazda 3 vs. 1979 Peugeot 505
To start off, 2003 Mazda 3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Peugeot 505. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Peugeot 505 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Peugeot 505 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 3 (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1979 Peugeot 505. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Peugeot 505. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Peugeot 505 weights approximately 35 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3.
Because 1979 Peugeot 505 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 1979 Peugeot 505. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1979 Peugeot 505 (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Peugeot 505 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 3 | 1979 Peugeot 505 | |
| Make | Mazda | Peugeot |
| Model | 3 | 505 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 156 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 14.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 56 L |
