2007 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2012 Ford Fiesta is newer by 5 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 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda 3 (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2012 Ford Fiesta. (120 HP @ 6350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda 3 weights approximately 311 kg more than 2012 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 Mazda 3 (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Fiesta. (152 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda 3 | 2012 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1169 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4409 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1697 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2489 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.1 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.1 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
