2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2010 Volvo V50
To start off, 2010 Volvo V50 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volvo V50 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volvo V50 weights approximately 373 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.
Because 2010 Volvo V50 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Volvo V50 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2010 Volvo V50 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2010 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 3 | V50 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1598 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4521 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 57 L |
