2012 Porsche Panamera vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Porsche Panamera 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Panamera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Panamera (333 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Panamera should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3.
Because 2012 Porsche Panamera 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 Panamera. 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 Panamera (439 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Panamera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Porsche Panamera | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Porsche | Mazda |
| Model | Panamera | 3 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4968 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1931 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1408 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2639 mm |
