2012 Volvo XC90 vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Volvo XC90 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volvo XC90 (200 HP) has 33 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 3. (167 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC90 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volvo XC90 weights approximately 792 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 Volvo XC90 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2010 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volvo XC90 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 Volvo XC90 (420 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volvo XC90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volvo XC90 | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Volvo | Mazda |
| Model | XC90 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2010 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2400 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 167 HP |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2155 kg | 1363 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4808 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1897 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1783 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
