2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2002 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Smart ForFour would be higher. At 1,349 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 189 kg more than 2002 Smart ForFour. 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 (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForFour. 2002 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2002 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Mazda | Smart |
| Model | 3 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1349 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.3 seconds | 13.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 966 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 | 5.5 L/100km |
