2009 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Toyota Corolla 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 34 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Corolla. (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 309 kg more than 2009 Toyota Corolla. 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Corolla. (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Corolla | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Corolla | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
