2005 Mazda 3 vs. 1981 Saab 900
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Saab 900 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Saab 900. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Saab 900 weights approximately 95 kg more than 2005 Mazda 3.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Saab 900 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 1981 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Mazda | Saab |
| Model | 3 | 900 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2530 mm |
