2009 Saturn Astra vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Saturn Astra is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Saturn Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Saturn Astra (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Astra should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Saturn Astra weights approximately 259 kg more than 2005 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Saturn Astra (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Saturn Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3. 2005 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2009 Saturn Astra has manual transmission. 2009 Saturn Astra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Saturn Astra | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Saturn | Mazda |
| Model | Astra | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1344 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
