2006 Mazda 3 vs. 1978 Plymouth Volare
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Plymouth Volare. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Plymouth Volare would be higher. At 3,685 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Plymouth Volare is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1978 Plymouth Volare. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Plymouth Volare. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Plymouth Volare weights approximately 356 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3.
Because 1978 Plymouth Volare 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 1978 Plymouth Volare. 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, 1978 Plymouth Volare (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Plymouth Volare will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 1978 Plymouth Volare | |
| Make | Mazda | Plymouth |
| Model | 3 | Volare |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3685 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2870 mm |
