2008 Mitsubishi Colt vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mitsubishi Colt. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mitsubishi Colt would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2008 Mitsubishi Colt. (95 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mitsubishi Colt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 373 kg more than 2008 Mitsubishi Colt. 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mitsubishi Colt. (125 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mitsubishi Colt. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mitsubishi Colt has manual transmission. 2008 Mitsubishi Colt will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mitsubishi Colt | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Mazda |
| Model | Colt | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1332 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3880 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 60 L |
