1996 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Accord 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 44 more horse power than 1996 Honda Accord. (104 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Accord weights approximately 45 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
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, 1996 Honda Accord (210 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Accord 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:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2639 mm |
