2008 Mazda 3 vs. 1981 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 225 kg more than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Because 1981 Toyota Carina 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 Carina. 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 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 1981 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Carina |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 83 HP |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
