2012 Toyota Avalon vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Toyota Avalon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Toyota Avalon would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Avalon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Avalon (268 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2013 Mazda 3. (155 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Avalon weights approximately 317 kg more than 2013 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Toyota Avalon (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda 3. (200 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Avalon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda 3. 2012 Toyota Avalon has automatic transmission and 2013 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2013 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Avalon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Toyota Avalon | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Avalon | 3 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1303 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5019 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1849 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1486 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2819 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
