2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 492 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 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier 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, 2012 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Frontier |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 2042 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
