2002 Subaru Impreza vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Subaru Impreza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Subaru Impreza 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 73 more horse power than 2002 Subaru Impreza. (94 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Subaru Impreza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 218 kg more than 2002 Subaru Impreza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Subaru Impreza 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, 2002 Subaru Impreza 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Subaru Impreza. (143 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Subaru Impreza. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2002 Subaru Impreza has manual transmission. 2002 Subaru Impreza 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:
| 2002 Subaru Impreza | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Subaru | Mazda |
| Model | Impreza | 3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
