2012 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, both 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Nissan Pathfinder (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2012 Nissan Pathfinder | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
Make | Nissan | Mazda |
Model | Pathfinder | 3 |
Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4000 cc | 2184 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 266 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Torque | 390 Nm | 360 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4884 mm | 4590 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1849 mm | 1755 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1834 mm | 1471 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2639 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |