2009 Acura RL vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Acura RL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 3,664 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Acura RL (300 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (160 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3.
Because 2009 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Acura RL 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, 2009 Acura RL (367 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (195 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura RL | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | RL | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3664 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 367 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
