2005 Infiniti M vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Infiniti M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Infiniti M would be higher. At 4,494 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Infiniti M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Infiniti M (335 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Infiniti M should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Infiniti M weights approximately 357 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Infiniti M 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 2005 Infiniti M. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2005 Infiniti M (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Infiniti M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2005 Infiniti M has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Infiniti M will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Infiniti M | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Infiniti | Mazda |
| Model | M | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4494 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 453 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 60 L |
