2011 Smart ForTwo vs. 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
To start off, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 (263 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 weights approximately 648 kg more than 2011 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3, 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, 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 (379 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Smart ForTwo | 2012 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 | |
| Make | Smart | Mazda |
| Model | ForTwo | MazdaSpeed3 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1000 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2695 mm | 4511 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1542 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1867 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 33 L | 60 L |
