2008 Mazda 3 vs. 1974 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Corolla 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 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Corolla. (84 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1974 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Toyota Corolla 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 1974 Toyota Corolla. 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 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Corolla. 1974 Toyota Corolla 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. 1974 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 1974 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 135 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 | 1225 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2380 mm |
