2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 3 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 336 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 2012 Chevrolet Corvette 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 2012 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Corvette (574 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 371 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2012 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Mazda | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 430 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1247 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.1 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
