2010 Honda Ridgeline 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 Honda Ridgeline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Honda Ridgeline would be higher. At 3,470 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Honda Ridgeline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Honda Ridgeline (250 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Honda Ridgeline should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3.
Because 2010 Honda Ridgeline is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Honda Ridgeline will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Honda Ridgeline. (335 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Honda Ridgeline. 2010 Honda Ridgeline has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Honda Ridgeline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Honda Ridgeline | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Ridgeline | 3 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3470 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
