2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Subaru Forester (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Subaru Forester weights approximately 300 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Forester 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, 2008 Subaru Forester (245 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2008 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | 3 | Forester |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
