2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2000 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (74 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 440 kg more than 2000 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Smart ForTwo 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 2000 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2000 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mazda | Smart |
| Model | 3 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
