2011 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 529 kg more than 2011 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda 3 | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Frontier |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1919 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4506 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 80 L |
