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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1996 Honda Accord. (134 HP @ 5600 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. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 18 kg more than 1996 Honda Accord. 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Accord. (184 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. 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 | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 134 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 184 Nm | 228 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1383 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4506 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1755 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1471 mm |