2003 Holden Cruze vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Holden Cruze. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Holden Cruze 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 95 more horse power than 2003 Holden Cruze. (72 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Holden Cruze. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 398 kg more than 2003 Holden Cruze. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Holden Cruze 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, 2003 Holden Cruze 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 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Holden Cruze. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Holden Cruze. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2003 Holden Cruze has manual transmission. 2003 Holden Cruze 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:
| 2003 Holden Cruze | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Cruze | 3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 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 | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2639 mm |
