2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (163 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara weights approximately 27 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara. 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Suzuki | Mazda |
| Model | Grand Vitara | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2639 mm |
