2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 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 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (350 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 145 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 Porsche 911 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 Porsche 911. 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 Porsche 911 (389 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 389 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1303 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2451 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 64 L |
