2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Porsche Cayman
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayman 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 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Cayman (330 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Cayman weights approximately 170 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 Porsche Cayman 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 Porsche Cayman. 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 Porsche Cayman (370 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2012 Porsche Cayman | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | Cayman |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4750 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 | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4346 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1285 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2416 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
