1997 Toyota Carina vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2010 Mazda 3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Carina. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 3 weights approximately 176 kg more than 1997 Toyota Carina. 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, 2010 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Carina. (137 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Carina | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Carina | 3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1301 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2639 mm |
