2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Porsche 911
To start off, 2012 Porsche 911 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche 911 (400 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche 911 weights approximately 135 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 Porsche 911 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Porsche 911. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Porsche 911 (440 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2012 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4491 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1295 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2451 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
