1996 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2010 Mazda 3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 3 weights approximately 196 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. 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, 2010 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier. 2010 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier has manual transmission. 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Cavalier | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1187 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 60 L |
