2007 Mazda 3 vs. 1978 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda 3 (256 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (118 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda 3 weights approximately 388 kg more than 1978 Toyota Celica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Celica 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 Toyota Celica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Mazda 3 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (152 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda 3 | 1978 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Celica |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
