2012 Mazda 3 vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 415 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (105 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla. 1979 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda 3 | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2410 mm |
