2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Smart ForFour would be higher. At 1,349 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Smart ForFour (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2001 Smart ForFour.
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, 2001 Smart ForFour (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Mazda | Smart |
| Model | 3 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1349 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.3 seconds | 11.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 47 L |
