2001 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Honda Civic (183 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 343 kg more than 2001 Honda Civic.
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 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Honda Civic. (160 Nm @ 7500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Honda Civic. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2001 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2001 Honda Civic 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:
| 2001 Honda Civic | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1672 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
