Atzenhoffer Mazda

Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 59 advantages that the Mazda Mazda3 HB has over the Chevrolet Cruze.

MSRP Range
Mazda Mazda3 HB	$19,300 - $23,400
Chevrolet Cruze	$16,800 - $23,190

Performance

Engine

The standard engine in the MAZDA3 HB is larger than the standard engine in the Cruze, as detailed below by trim:


			Standard Engine
	MAZDA3 HB i Grand Touring		2.0L I4
	MAZDA3 HB i Touring		2.0L I4
	MAZDA3 HB s Grand Touring		2.5L I4
	MAZDA3 HB s Touring		2.5L I4
	Cruze 1LT		1.4L I4
	Cruze 2LS		1.8L I4
	Cruze 2LT		1.4L I4
	Cruze ECO		1.4L I4
	Cruze LTZ		1.4L I4

The standard engines in the MAZDA3 HB are more powerful than those in the Cruze, as detailed by trim and engine below:


			Horsepower (SAE net)
	MAZDA3 HB i Grand Touring 2.0L I4		155 HP
	MAZDA3 HB i Touring 2.0L I4		155 HP
	MAZDA3 HB s Grand Touring 2.5L I4		167 HP
	MAZDA3 HB s Touring 2.5L I4		167 HP
	Cruze		138 HP

The MAZDA3 HB's engines reach maximum power at lower RPM's than the Cruze's engines, as detailed below by trim and engine:


			RPM's to Peak HP
	MAZDA3 HB		6000
	Cruze 2LS 1.8L I4		6300

The standard engines in the MAZDA3 HB have more torque (low-end power) than those in the Cruze, as detailed by trim and engine below:


			Torque
	MAZDA3 HB i Grand Touring 2.0L I4		148 lb-ft
	MAZDA3 HB i Touring 2.0L I4		148 lb-ft
	MAZDA3 HB s Grand Touring 2.5L I4		168 lb-ft
	MAZDA3 HB s Touring 2.5L I4		168 lb-ft
	Cruze 1LT 1.4L I4		148 lb-ft
	Cruze 2LS 1.8L I4		123 lb-ft
	Cruze 2LT 1.4L I4		148 lb-ft
	Cruze ECO 1.4L I4		148 lb-ft
	Cruze LTZ 1.4L I4		148 lb-ft

Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle. The MAZDA3 HB, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the Cruze, as detailed below by trim level and engine:


			Power To Weight Ratio
	MAZDA3 HB i Grand Touring 2.0L I4		19.2
	MAZDA3 HB i Touring 2.0L I4		18.7
	MAZDA3 HB s Grand Touring 2.5L I4		18.2
	MAZDA3 HB s Touring 2.5L I4		18.2
	Cruze 2LS 1.8L I4		22.4
	Cruze ECO 1.4L I4		21.8
	Cruze LTZ 1.4L I4		22.9

Reliability

The MAZDA3 HB has a larger engine displacement than the Cruze. Engines with larger displacements can produce more power, with less stress, reducing wear and prolonging engine life. Details by engine below:


			Displacement CC
	MAZDA3 HB 2.0L I4		1998 cc
	MAZDA3 HB 2.5L I4		2489 cc
	Cruze 1.4L I4		1364 cc
	Cruze 1.8L I4		1796 cc

Transmission

The MAZDA3 HB i Grand Touring has a Standard manually interactive automatic transmission. This type of automatic transmission gives the driver complete gear control, like a manually-shifted transmission, but without the inconvenient clutch. The type of transmission is Optional in the Cruze (1LT, 2LS, 2LT, ECO).

Warranty

Corrosion Warranty

Mazda's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Chevrolet's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).


			Corrosion Warranty Miles
	MAZDA3 HB		Unlimited
	Cruze		100000

Economy

Fuel Economy and Emissions

The MAZDA3 HB has a larger fuel tank than the Cruze, which may give it a greater range before having to stop to refuel, as detailed below:


			Fuel Capacity
	MAZDA3 HB i Grand Touring		14.5 gal.
	MAZDA3 HB i Touring		14.5 gal.
	MAZDA3 HB s Grand Touring		15.9 gal.
	MAZDA3 HB s Touring		15.9 gal.
	Cruze 1LT		15.6 gal.
	Cruze 2LS		15.6 gal.
	Cruze 2LT		15.6 gal.
	Cruze ECO		12.6 gal.
	Cruze LTZ		15.6 gal.

The MAZDA3 HB is more fuel efficient than the Cruze. Superior fuel efficiency makes the MAZDA3 HB both more environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate than the Cruze.


	Fuel Economy Hwy	Fuel Economy City
MAZDA3 HB i Touring 2.0L I4	38 mpg.	27 mpg.
MAZDA3 HB i Grand Touring 2.0L I4	39 mpg.	28 mpg.
Cruze 2LS 1.8L I4	36 mpg.	25 mpg.
Cruze 1LT 1.4L I4	38 mpg.	26 mpg.
Cruze 2LT 1.4L I4	38 mpg.	26 mpg.
Cruze LTZ 1.4L I4	38 mpg.	26 mpg.

*Mileage statistics shown are for each vehicle with its standard transmission. Fuel economy is only compared for like engines (i.e. 4 cyl. to 4 cyl.)

The MAZDA3 HB gets more miles from a tank of fuel than the Cruze, as detailed below by trim and engine:


			Driving Distance
	MAZDA3 HB i Grand Touring 2.0L I4		464 mi.
	MAZDA3 HB i Touring 2.0L I4		449.5 mi.
	Cruze 2LS 1.8L I4		452.4 mi.
	Cruze ECO 1.4L I4		415.8 mi.

Cost to Own

The base MSRP on the MAZDA3 HB is less than the base MSRP on the Cruze as shown in the table below.


			Base Price MSRP
	MAZDA3 HB i Touring		19,300
	MAZDA3 HB i Grand Touring		23,150
	MAZDA3 HB s Touring		21,800
	Cruze ECO		19,325
	Cruze 2LT		20,685
	Cruze LTZ		23,190

Safety and Security

Airbags

Both the MAZDA3 HB and the Cruze feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.

General Safety

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, heavier vehicles are safer in collisions and less affected by crosswinds than lighter vehicles. The MAZDA3 HB is heavier than the Cruze, shown below by trim level and transmission type:


	Curb Weight MT	Curb Weight AT
MAZDA3 HB s Grand Touring	3048 lbs.	3,104 lbs.
MAZDA3 HB s Touring	3048 lbs.	3,104 lbs.
Cruze 2LS	-	3,082 lbs.
Cruze ECO	3011 lbs.	3,102 lbs.

The MAZDA3 HB is equipped with Standard FWD.

Rear spoilers create additional downdraft at higher speeds, improving road holding ability. You will be more likely to find a rear spoiler on the MAZDA3 HB than on the Cruze, as shown below:


			Rear Spoiler
	MAZDA3 HB		Standard
	Cruze 1LT		Optional
	Cruze 2LS		Not Available
	Cruze 2LT		Optional
	Cruze LTZ		Optional

Fog lights are very effective at improving visibility in foggy and other difficult driving situations. You are more likely to find fog lights on the MAZDA3 HB than on the Cruze, as detailed below:


			Fog Lamps
	MAZDA3 HB i Grand Touring		Optional
	MAZDA3 HB i Touring		Optional
	MAZDA3 HB s Grand Touring		Standard
	MAZDA3 HB s Touring		Standard
	Cruze 1LT		Optional
	Cruze 2LS		Not Available
	Cruze 2LT		Optional
	Cruze ECO		Not Available

High intensity discharge (HID) headlights are Optional on the MAZDA3 HB (i Grand Touring, s Grand Touring) but Not Available Cruze. HID headlights offer several advantages - increased visibility due to significantly brighter light, longer lasting/more durable bulbs and much lower energy use.

The MAZDA3 HB features a Standard rear wiper which provides improved visibility by allowing the driver to clean the rear window. This feature is Not Available on the Cruze.

The MAZDA3 HB (i Grand Touring, s Grand Touring) has Optional rain-sensing windshield wipers that are activated by rain or moisture on the windshield. This type of wiper is Not Available on the Cruze.

Capacities

Interior Space

The MAZDA3 HB has more interior space than the Cruze in the following areas:

Hip Room, Front

Shoulder Room, Front

Head Room, Rear

Leg Room, Rear

Shoulder Room, Rear

MAZDA3 HB s Grand Touring

53.7 in.

54.9 in.

36.2 in.

54 in.

MAZDA3 HB i Touring

53.7 in.

54.9 in.

38.0 in.

36.2 in.

54 in.

MAZDA3 HB i Grand Touring

53.7 in.

54.9 in.

36.2 in.

54 in.

MAZDA3 HB s Touring

53.7 in.

54.9 in.

36.2 in.

54 in.

Cruze

53.0 in.

54.8 in.

37.9 in.

35.4 in.

53.9 in.

Cargo Space

The MAZDA3 HB has 17.0 cu. ft. of cargo volume compared to 15.4 cu. ft. in the Cruze. The additional cargo space means more room to store and transport packages, luggage, etc.

Suspension and Handling

General Suspension

The MAZDA3 HB has a independent rear suspension, which is superior to the semi-independent suspension used on the Cruze.

Chassis

The MAZDA3 HB is shorter than the Cruze , 177.4 in. vs. 181.0 in., so it will be easier to handle and maneuver.

The MAZDA3 HB is narrower than the Cruze, 69.1 in. vs. 70.7 in., so it will be easier to maneuver and park, especially in tight parking spaces.

Wheels and Tires

The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the MAZDA3 HB may provide better handling capability than those on the Cruze. Details below:


			Tire Aspect Ratio
	MAZDA3 HB i Grand Touring		55
	MAZDA3 HB i Touring		55
	MAZDA3 HB s Grand Touring		50
	MAZDA3 HB s Touring		50
	Cruze 1LT		60
	Cruze 2LS		60
	Cruze ECO		55

Braking

The MAZDA3 HB has standard front and rear disc brakes but the Cruze (1LT, 2LS, ECO) only has standard rear Drum brakes. Drums tend to heat up with repeated use and can cause stopping distances to increase.

An Electronic Braking Assistance system, Standard in the MAZDA3 HB, measures the speed and force with which the brake pedal has been pushed, determines whether the driver has attempted an emergency stop, and applies any additional brake pressure needed to ensure optimal utilization of the anti-lock brake system. Electronic Braking Assistance is Not Available in the Cruze.

Advantages

Additional Features

A multi-adjustable power driver seat allows drivers to customize their seating position for maximum comfort and performance. This type of seat is more commonly found in the MAZDA3 HB than the Cruze, as shown below:


			Driver Multi-Adjustable Power Seat
	MAZDA3 HB i Grand Touring		Standard
	MAZDA3 HB s Grand Touring		Standard
	Cruze 1LT		Not Available
	Cruze 2LS		Not Available
	Cruze ECO		Optional

A heated front seat is Standard in the MAZDA3 HB (i Grand Touring, s Grand Touring), providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Not Available in the Cruze (1LT, 2LS, ECO).

Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Standard in the MAZDA3 HB (i Grand Touring, s Grand Touring) but is Not Available in the Cruze (1LT, 2LS, ECO).

A navigational aid system provides drivers with information such as maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is a more common feature in the MAZDA3 HB than the Cruze, as shown below.


			Navigational Aid
	MAZDA3 HB i Grand Touring		Standard
	MAZDA3 HB i Touring		Optional
	MAZDA3 HB s Grand Touring		Standard
	MAZDA3 HB s Touring		Optional
	Cruze 1LT		Not Available
	Cruze 2LS		Not Available
	Cruze 2LT		Optional
	Cruze ECO		Optional
	Cruze LTZ		Optional

Illuminated vanity mirrors are Standard in the MAZDA3 HB (s Grand Touring, s Touring) but Not Available in the Cruze (1LT, 2LS, 2LT, ECO).

The MAZDA3 HB (s Grand Touring, s Touring) has a Standard automatic climate control system. The system controls the temperature, fan speed, and vents to maintain a consistent environment within the passenger compartment. Automatic climate control is Not Available in the Cruze (1LT, 2LS, 2LT, ECO).

The MAZDA3 HB (s Grand Touring, s Touring) features Standard dual-zone climate controls, allowing the driver and front passenger to control their own climate conditions. Dual-zone climate controls are Not Available in the Cruze.

On long road trips in the MAZDA3 HB, drivers can engage the Standard cruise control, reducing fatigue. Cruise control is Not Available in the Cruze 2LS.

With a power sunroof, a touch of a button is all it takes to let the sun or the stars shine in. You are more likely to find a power sunroof in the MAZDA3 HB than in the Cruze, as shown below:


			Power Sunroof
	MAZDA3 HB i Grand Touring		Standard
	MAZDA3 HB i Touring		Optional
	MAZDA3 HB s Grand Touring		Standard
	MAZDA3 HB s Touring		Standard
	Cruze 1LT		Optional
	Cruze 2LS		Not Available
	Cruze 2LT		Optional
	Cruze ECO		Not Available
	Cruze LTZ		Optional

Heated exterior mirrors are Standard on the MAZDA3 HB (i Grand Touring, s Grand Touring), keeping them clear and giving the driver improved visibility. That feature is Not Available on the Cruze (1LT, 2LS, 2LT, ECO).