2012 Mazda 2 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, both 2012 Mazda 2 and 2012 Mazda 3 were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 2. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 2.
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, 2012 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 2. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda 2 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 2 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1500 cc | 2184 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 | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1695 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1475 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2489 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 55 L |
