2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2001 Renault Vel Satis
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Renault Vel Satis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Renault Vel Satis would be higher. At 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Renault Vel Satis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2001 Renault Vel Satis. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Renault Vel Satis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2001 Renault Vel Satis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Renault Vel Satis (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Renault Vel Satis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2001 Renault Vel Satis | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | 3 | Vel Satis |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
