2004 Mazda 3 vs. 1996 Opel Frontera
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Opel Frontera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Opel Frontera would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Opel Frontera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Opel Frontera (115 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Opel Frontera should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Opel Frontera weights approximately 680 kg more than 2004 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Opel Frontera is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Opel Frontera 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, 1996 Opel Frontera (260 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (230 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1996 Opel Frontera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 1996 Opel Frontera | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | 3 | Frontera |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
