2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2005 Nissan Micra
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Nissan Micra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan Micra would be higher. 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 60 more horse power than 2005 Nissan Micra. (88 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan Micra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 184 kg more than 2005 Nissan Micra. 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 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Micra. (128 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Micra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2005 Nissan Micra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Micra |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1996 cc | 1386 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1231 kg | 1047 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.9 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 46 L |
