2003 Mazda 3 vs. 2009 Nissan Armada
To start off, 2009 Nissan Armada is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 5,551 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Armada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Armada (317 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Armada should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Armada weights approximately 182 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan Armada 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, 2009 Nissan Armada 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, 2009 Nissan Armada (522 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 377 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Armada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3. 2009 Nissan Armada has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Armada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 3 | 2009 Nissan Armada | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Armada |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 5551 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 522 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1990 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3140 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.3 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 106 L |
