2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 2,393 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara (164 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara weights approximately 255 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Mazda | Suzuki |
| Model | 3 | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2393 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 159 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.7 seconds | 11.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3865 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1695 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
