2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Volvo C30
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volvo C30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volvo C30 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo C30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo C30 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo C30 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo C30 weights approximately 576 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.
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, 2008 Volvo C30 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo C30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2008 Volvo C30 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 3 | C30 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1661 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
