2009 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Chevrolet Lumina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Chevrolet Lumina would be higher. At 5,967 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Lumina (362 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 166 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Lumina 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 2009 Chevrolet Lumina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2009 Chevrolet Lumina (530 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Lumina | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Lumina | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5967 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1549 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 60 L |
