2009 Nissan 370Z vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan 370Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan 370Z would be higher. At 3,699 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 257 kg more than 2011 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Nissan 370Z 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 2009 Nissan 370Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2009 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan 370Z | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | 370Z | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3699 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 332 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1297 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
