2008 Mazda 3 vs. 1989 Nissan Micra
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Micra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Micra would be higher. At 1,349 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Micra. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Micra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1989 Nissan Micra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2008 Mazda 3 (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Nissan Micra. (96 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Nissan Micra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 1989 Nissan Micra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Micra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1349 cc | 1235 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 725 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2310 mm |
