2008 Mazda 3 vs. 1973 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1973 Toyota Corona. (82 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1973 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 238 kg more than 1973 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Toyota Corona 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 Toyota Corona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Mazda 3 (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Toyota Corona. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Toyota Corona. 1973 Toyota Corona has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 1973 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Corona |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2510 mm |
