1998 Nissan Serena vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Nissan Serena. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan Serena would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda 3 (155 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1998 Nissan Serena. (96 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Nissan Serena. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Nissan Serena weights approximately 82 kg more than 2013 Mazda 3.
Because 1998 Nissan Serena 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 1998 Nissan Serena. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Mazda 3 (200 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Nissan Serena. (131 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Nissan Serena.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Nissan Serena | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Serena | 3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1303 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2640 mm |
