2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban (320 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 788 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 Chevrolet Suburban is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Chevrolet Suburban. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Chevrolet Suburban (454 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2012 Chevrolet Suburban 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 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2012 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Mazda | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 2573 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5649 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 2009 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1951 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 3302 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 117 L |
