2006 Mazda 3 vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,998 cc, 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (139 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Carina. (83 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 179 kg more than 1981 Toyota Carina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2006 Mazda 3 (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 1981 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Carina |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1587 cc |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
