2008 Acura RDX vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Acura RDX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Acura RDX would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Acura RDX (240 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura RDX should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Acura RDX weights approximately 67 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 2008 Acura RDX 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, 2008 Acura RDX 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, 2008 Acura RDX (353 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Acura RDX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2008 Acura RDX 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. 2008 Acura RDX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura RDX | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | RDX | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 353 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
