2012 Nissan Frontier vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 556 kg more than 2010 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2010 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Nissan Frontier | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Frontier | 3 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1919 kg | 1363 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
