2012 Chevrolet Avalanche vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (160 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche weights approximately 21 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche 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 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche (454 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (195 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Avalanche | 3 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5300 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 310 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 454 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5630 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1950 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.9 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 55 L |
