2007 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2007 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Honda Civic weights approximately 281 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 2007 Honda Civic 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, 2007 Honda Civic 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 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Honda Civic. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2007 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 2007 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Honda Civic | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1581 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.2 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
