2008 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 Chevrolet Tahoe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe would be higher. At 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe (296 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Chevrolet Tahoe (414 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 Chevrolet Tahoe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Tahoe | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1960 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
