2011 Mazda 3 vs. 1981 Honda Accord
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 3 weights approximately 493 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. 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, 2011 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda 3 | 1981 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Mazda | Honda |
| Model | 3 | Accord |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1383 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4506 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
