2009 Citroen Xsara 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 Citroen Xsara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Citroen Xsara would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2009 Citroen Xsara. (67 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 114 kg more than 2009 Citroen Xsara. 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 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Citroen Xsara. (160 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen Xsara | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | Xsara | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1186 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
