2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Acura ZDX
To start off, 2012 Acura ZDX is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Acura ZDX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Acura ZDX (300 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Acura ZDX should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Acura ZDX weights approximately 767 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 2012 Acura ZDX is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Acura ZDX 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, 2012 Acura ZDX (366 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (230 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2012 Acura ZDX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2012 Acura ZDX has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Acura ZDX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2012 Acura ZDX | |
| Make | Mazda | Acura |
| Model | 3 | ZDX |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 2007 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4887 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1994 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1595 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 79 L |
