2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer (237 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 435 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 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer 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, 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer (343 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 3 | Lancer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
