VS

Mazda MX-5 Coupe vs Mazda 3 Sedan comparison

Compare performance (132 HP vs 186 HP), boot space and price (31,400 £ vs 25,400 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mazda MX-5 Coupe or Mazda 3 Sedan?

Mazda MX-5 Coupe vs Mazda 3 Sedan: Key differences

Mazda MX-5 Coupe

  • markedly lighter
details

Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • markedly more power
  • moderately more efficient
  • only slightly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

MX-5 Coupe

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Mazda 3 Sedan is clearly cheaper – starting at 25,400 £ , while the Mazda MX-5 Coupe costs 31,400 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,914 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mazda 3 Sedan uses 5.5 L/100km and is moderately more efficient than the Mazda MX-5 Coupe with 6.2 L/100km. The difference is about 0.7 L/100km.

3 Sedan

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mazda 3 Sedan offers markedly more power – delivering 186 HP compared to 132 HP. That’s roughly 54 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mazda 3 Sedan is only slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 8.1 s, while the Mazda MX-5 Coupe takes 8.6 s. That’s about 0.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mazda 3 Sedan delivers clearly more torque with 240 Nm compared to 152 Nm. That’s about 88 Nm more.

MX-5 Coupe

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Mazda 3 Sedan offers more seats – 5 vs 2.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda MX-5 Coupe is markedly lighter – 1,114 kg compared to 1,417 kg. The difference is around 303 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mazda 3 Sedan offers clearly more boot space – 450 L compared to 127 L. That’s a difference of about 323 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mazda 3 Sedan carries clearly more – 501 kg compared to 166 kg. That’s a difference of about 335 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mazda 3 Sedan holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £25,400
3 Sedan

Mazda 3 Sedan

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 140 - 186 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5.5 - 6 L/100km
details

Frequently compared as well

Mazda 2
Mazda 3 Sedan
VS
Choosing between the city‑savvy Mazda2 and the more grown-up Mazda3 Sedan comes down to whether you prioritize low running costs and easy urban manoeuvrability or a roomier cabin, stronger performance and extra tech. I’ll compare the key points — size, engines, economy, equipment and driving feel — …
CUPRA Leon
Mazda 3 Sedan
VS
CUPRA Leon and Mazda 3 Sedan go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
Mazda MX-5 Coupe
Mazda 3 Sedan

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mazda MX-5 Coupe

The Mazda MX-5 is a delightfully pure driver's car, wrapped in a compact package and tuned to make steering inputs feel like a conversation rather than a chore. It won’t overwhelm you with gadgetry, but what it delivers—nimble handling, instant feedback and an honest grin every time you drive—makes it a brilliant choice for anyone who values fun over flash.

details
2023_mazda_mx-5_portugal_act_003_highres
2023_mazda_mx-5_portugal_act_001_highres

Reviews Mazda MX-5 Coupe

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Mazda 3 Sedan

The Mazda 3 Sedan dresses like a compact premium car, with sculpted lines and an interior that punches well above its class. It rewards drivers with eager handling and a composed, comfortable ride that turns routine runs into something a bit more enjoyable — proof that style and substance can share the same key.

details
serpimg_ikGkXb

Reviews Mazda 3 Sedan

4.7 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Frequently compared as well

Mazda MX-5 Coupe
Genesis G70
VS
Unsure whether the Mazda MX-5 Coupe or the Genesis G70 is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
BMW 3 Series Touring
Mazda 3 Sedan
VS
The BMW 3 Series Touring and Mazda 3 Sedan compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Honda Civic
Mazda 3 Sedan
VS
Unsure whether the Honda Civic or the Mazda 3 Sedan is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
Lexus UX
Mazda 3 Sedan
VS
Unsure whether the Lexus UX or the Mazda 3 Sedan is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
Mazda 3 Hatchback
Mazda 3 Sedan
VS
Unsure whether the Mazda 3 Hatchback or the Mazda 3 Sedan is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
Mazda 3 Sedan
Mazda CX-30
VS
Mazda 3 Sedan and Mazda CX-30 go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice.
Mazda 3 Sedan
MG ZS
VS
The Mazda 3 Sedan and MG ZS compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Mazda 3 Sedan
Suzuki S-Cross
VS
Unsure whether the Mazda 3 Sedan or the Suzuki S-Cross is the better match? Compare both models directly and discover differences in power, efficiency, comfort and value for money — all summarized in one easy view to support your decision.
Mazda MX-5 Coupe
Mazda 3 Sedan

Costs and Consumption
Price
31,400 - 36,700 £
Price
25,400 - 34,700 £
Consumption L/100km
6.2 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
140 g/km
co2
123 - 137 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Coupe
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
2
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,114 kg
Curb weight
1,417 - 1,468 kg
Trunk capacity
127 L
Trunk capacity
450 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,735 mm
Width
1,795 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
166 kg
Payload
482 - 501 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
132 HP
Power HP
140 - 186 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.1 - 9.8 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
152 Nm
Torque
238 - 240 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
97 kW
Power kW
103 - 137 kW
Engine capacity
1,496 cm3
Engine capacity
1,998 - 2,488 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Mazda
Brand
Mazda
Is the Mazda MX-5 Coupe offered with different drivetrains?

The Mazda MX-5 Coupe is offered with Rear-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.