2010 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Chevrolet Equinox
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 3. (113 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 3.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Equinox is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2010 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Equinox 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, 2010 Mazda 3 (270 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Chevrolet Equinox. 2012 Chevrolet Equinox has automatic transmission and 2010 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2010 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Equinox will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mazda 3 | 2012 Chevrolet Equinox | |
| Make | Mazda | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Equinox |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2858 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 71 L |
