2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Opel Speedster
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Opel Speedster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Opel Speedster would be higher. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Speedster (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Speedster should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 460 kg more than 2008 Opel Speedster.
Because 2008 Opel Speedster 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 2008 Opel Speedster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Speedster. (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Speedster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2008 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | 3 | Speedster |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.3:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.5 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.4 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 36 L |
