2008 Mazda 3 vs. 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport would be higher. At 2,258 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (141 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport weights approximately 210 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. 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 (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | 3 | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2258 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2930 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
