1997 Toyota Corolla vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (85 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1997 Toyota Corolla. 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (121 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla. 2009 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1997 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1997 Toyota Corolla will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Toyota Corolla | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Corolla | 3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1332 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.4 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
