2009 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2009 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo. 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 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Smart ForTwo | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
Make | Smart | Mazda |
Model | ForTwo | 3 |
Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 999 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 70 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 92 Nm | 228 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Length | 2700 mm | 4506 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1755 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1471 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1870 mm | 2639 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 60 L |