2009 Mazda 3 vs. 1981 Toyota Corona
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corona would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corona. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 565 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corona. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Toyota Corona. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corona. (135 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corona.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 1981 Toyota Corona | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Corona |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 75 L |
