2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Mazda 5
To start off, 2012 Mazda 5 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 5 (157 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 5 weights approximately 425 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, 2012 Mazda 5 (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 2012 Mazda 5 has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2012 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 3 | 5 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
