2011 Mazda 2 vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 2 is newer by 1 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 2. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 3 weights approximately 255 kg more than 2011 Mazda 2. 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 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 2. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda 2 | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 2 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1500 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1046 kg | 1301 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1694 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1476 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2489 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
