2004 Mazda 3 vs. 1974 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Carina. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1974 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Toyota Carina 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 1974 Toyota Carina. 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 (230 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Carina. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 1974 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Carina |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2430 mm |
