2008 Mazda 2 vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, both 2008 Mazda 2 and 2008 Mazda 3 were released in the same year (2008). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 2. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 76 kg more than 2008 Mazda 2. 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, 2008 Mazda 3 (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 2. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 2 | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 2 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.4 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
