2003 Mazda 3 vs. 2000 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2003 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 1,905 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Suzuki Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2000 Suzuki Vitara. (74 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Suzuki Vitara weights approximately 90 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3.
Because 2000 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Suzuki Vitara 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, 2003 Mazda 3 (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Suzuki Vitara. (138 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 3 | 2000 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Mazda | Suzuki |
| Model | 3 | Vitara |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2210 mm |
