2010 Mazda 3 vs. 2013 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2013 Toyota Highlander is newer by 3 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 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Toyota Highlander (184 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 445 kg more than 2010 Mazda 3. 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, 2013 Toyota Highlander (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mazda 3 | 2013 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 73 L |
