2010 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. Both 2010 Toyota RAV4 and 2012 Mazda 3 are equipped with a 2,500 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Toyota RAV4 (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 141 kg more than 2012 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, 2010 Toyota RAV4 (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Toyota RAV4 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | RAV4 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 179 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 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 | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1816 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1684 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2659 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
