2009 Honda S2000 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 Honda S2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Honda S2000 would be higher. At 2,157 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda S2000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda S2000 (237 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda S2000 weights approximately 184 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 Honda S2000 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 Honda S2000. 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 Honda S2000 (220 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda S2000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda S2000 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | S2000 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2157 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1484 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
