2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Forester (224 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Forester weights approximately 358 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 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester (306 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 2012 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2012 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | 3 | Forester |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2500 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 224 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1202 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
