2012 Porsche Cayman vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayman is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,900 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Cayman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Cayman (265 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayman should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 3 weights approximately 53 kg more than 2012 Porsche Cayman.
Because 2012 Porsche Cayman 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 Porsche Cayman. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 Porsche Cayman (299 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3. 2011 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2012 Porsche Cayman has manual transmission. 2012 Porsche Cayman will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Porsche Cayman | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Porsche | Mazda |
| Model | Cayman | 3 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2900 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 299 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4376 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1801 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1303 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2416 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 60 L |
