1997 Nissan President vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan President. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan President would be higher. At 4,492 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Nissan President is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan President (267 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan President should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 1997 Nissan President is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Nissan President. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Nissan President (394 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan President will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 1997 Nissan President has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Nissan President will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan President | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | President | 3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4492 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2639 mm |
