2011 Ford Expedition 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 Ford Expedition. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Ford Expedition would be higher. At 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Expedition (310 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Expedition weights approximately 1202 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.
Because 2011 Ford Expedition is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Ford Expedition. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Ford Expedition (494 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 311 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Ford Expedition | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Expedition | 3 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5400 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 494 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2502 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5245 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2002 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1961 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3023 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 106 L | 55 L |
