1997 Nissan Laurel vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Laurel (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Laurel should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 90 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Nissan Laurel 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 1997 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1997 Nissan Laurel (190 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 1997 Nissan Laurel 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. 1997 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan Laurel | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Laurel | 3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2639 mm |
