2001 Hyundai Elantra 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 Hyundai Elantra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Hyundai Elantra would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2001 Hyundai Elantra. (104 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Hyundai Elantra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 101 kg more than 2001 Hyundai Elantra. 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Hyundai Elantra. (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Hyundai Elantra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Hyundai Elantra | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Elantra | 3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1199 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
