2012 Mazda 3 vs. 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
To start off, 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Chevrolet Equinox is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Chevrolet Equinox (180 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Chevrolet Equinox should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 2013 Chevrolet Equinox 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, 2013 Chevrolet Equinox 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 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. 2013 Chevrolet Equinox 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. 2013 Chevrolet Equinox will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda 3 | 2013 Chevrolet Equinox | |
| Make | Mazda | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Equinox |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2857 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 71 L |
