2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Infiniti M
To start off, 2012 Infiniti M is newer by 4 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 5,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Infiniti M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Infiniti M (420 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Infiniti M should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Infiniti M weights approximately 607 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 2012 Infiniti M 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, 2012 Infiniti M 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, 2012 Infiniti M (565 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 378 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Infiniti M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 2012 Infiniti M 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. 2012 Infiniti M will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2012 Infiniti M | |
| Make | Mazda | Infiniti |
| Model | 3 | M |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 565 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1917 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4945 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1514 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2901 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
