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 2,156 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Accord (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (113 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Accord should accelerate faster 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (270 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Accord. (198 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Accord | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2156 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1471 mm |
