1994 Nissan Sunny vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Nissan Sunny. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Nissan Sunny would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1994 Nissan Sunny. (118 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1994 Nissan Sunny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 327 kg more than 1994 Nissan Sunny. 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Nissan Sunny. (148 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Nissan Sunny. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1994 Nissan Sunny has manual transmission. 1994 Nissan Sunny will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Nissan Sunny | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Sunny | 3 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2639 mm |
