2002 Honda Accord vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Honda Accord would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (256 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2002 Honda Accord. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2002 Honda Accord. 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, 2008 Mazda 3 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Accord. (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Accord | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | 3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2354 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
