1996 Citroen Saxo vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Citroen Saxo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Citroen Saxo would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1996 Citroen Saxo. (118 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen Saxo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1996 Citroen Saxo. 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, 2008 Mazda 3 (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Citroen Saxo. (145 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Citroen Saxo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Citroen Saxo | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | Saxo | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2650 mm |
