2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 2,259 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 225 kg more than 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. (198 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 3 | Lancer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2259 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4572 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
