2007 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2008 Nissan Xterra is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 3. (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda 3 weights approximately 350 kg more than 2008 Nissan Xterra.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda 3. (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda 3. 2008 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda 3 | 2008 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 3952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
