2011 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Subaru Forester (224 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 2011 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Subaru Forester 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 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Subaru Forester. (306 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Subaru Forester. 2011 Subaru Forester has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Subaru Forester | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Subaru | Mazda |
| Model | Forester | 3 |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 224 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4559 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1781 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1699 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2616 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
