2008 Nissan Primera 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 Nissan Primera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan Primera would be higher. At 2,182 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Primera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Primera. (137 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Primera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Primera weights approximately 199 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
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, 2008 Nissan Primera (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Primera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan Primera has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan Primera 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 Nissan Primera | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Primera | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2182 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
