2004 Mazda 3 vs. 1973 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1973 Toyota Corona. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 675 kg more than 1973 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Toyota Corona 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 1973 Toyota Corona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Toyota Corona. (144 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Toyota Corona. 1973 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 1973 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Corona |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2510 mm |
