2006 Mazda 3 vs. 1973 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,813 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1973 Nissan Laurel. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1973 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Nissan Laurel 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 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1973 Nissan Laurel (155 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 1973 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1813 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2630 mm |
