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, 2008 Mazda 3 (282 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2010 Volvo V50. (227 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2010 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volvo V50 weights approximately 113 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3.
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, 2008 Mazda 3 (576 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volvo V50. (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volvo V50.
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 | 2261 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 576 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 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 | 1485 kg | 1598 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4521 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 57 L |
