2009 Pontiac Solstice vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Pontiac Solstice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Pontiac Solstice would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Pontiac Solstice (173 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Pontiac Solstice should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 2009 Pontiac Solstice 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 Pontiac Solstice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. (226 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Pontiac Solstice. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2009 Pontiac Solstice has manual transmission. 2009 Pontiac Solstice will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Pontiac Solstice | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
Model | Solstice | 3 |
Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2384 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 173 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 226 Nm | 228 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4506 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1755 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1471 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2639 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 60 L |