2010 Chevrolet Colorado vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Chevrolet Colorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Chevrolet Colorado would be higher. At 2,901 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Chevrolet Colorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Chevrolet Colorado (185 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Chevrolet Colorado should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 3 weights approximately 122 kg more than 2010 Chevrolet Colorado.
Because 2010 Chevrolet Colorado 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 2010 Chevrolet Colorado. 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, 2010 Chevrolet Colorado (258 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Chevrolet Colorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3. 2011 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2010 Chevrolet Colorado has manual transmission. 2010 Chevrolet Colorado will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Chevrolet Colorado | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Colorado | 3 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2901 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 60 L |
