2011 Dodge Caliber vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Dodge Caliber. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Dodge Caliber would be higher. Both 2011 Dodge Caliber and 2012 Mazda 3 are equipped with a 2,000 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Caliber (158 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 34 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, 2011 Dodge Caliber (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2011 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2011 Dodge Caliber will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Dodge Caliber | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Caliber | 3 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1334 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4415 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1748 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1534 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2634 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.4 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
