2003 Mazda 3 vs. 2011 Dacia Duster
To start off, 2011 Dacia Duster is newer by 8 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dacia Duster (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dacia Duster should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 3 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2011 Dacia Duster.
Because 2011 Dacia Duster 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, 2011 Dacia Duster 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, 2011 Dacia Duster (177 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Dacia Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 3 | 2011 Dacia Duster | |
| Make | Mazda | Dacia |
| Model | 3 | Duster |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 168 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 12.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4315 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1822 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2673 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
