2008 Mazda 3 vs. 1979 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corona. (68 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 279 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 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 (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corona. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corona. 1979 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. 1979 Toyota Corona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 1979 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Corona |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2530 mm |
