2006 Mazda 3 vs. 1970 Opel Olympia
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1970 Opel Olympia. (59 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Opel Olympia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1970 Opel Olympia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Opel Olympia 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 1970 Opel Olympia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Opel Olympia. (83 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Opel Olympia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 1970 Opel Olympia | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | 3 | Olympia |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1078 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2420 mm |
