2001 Suzuki Samurai 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 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2001 Suzuki Samurai. (63 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 298 kg more than 2001 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Suzuki Samurai. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Suzuki Samurai | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Suzuki | Mazda |
| Model | Samurai | 3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1868 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3450 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2639 mm |
