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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Chevrolet Equinox (180 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Chevrolet Equinox should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Chevrolet Equinox weights approximately 398 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2013 Chevrolet Equinox (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Chevrolet Equinox will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda 3 | 2013 Chevrolet Equinox | |
| Make | Mazda | Chevrolet |
| Model | 3 | Equinox |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1383 kg | 1781 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4506 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2857 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 10.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 71 L |
