2008 Fiat Grande Punto 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 Fiat Grande Punto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Fiat Grande Punto would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. (64 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 293 kg more than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat Grande Punto | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Grande Punto | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1241 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
