VS
At a Glance
Power
88 kW
141kW@5850
Torque
153 Nm
230Nm@1980
Fuel
6.0 l/100km
7.3L/100km
Towing
1000 Kg
-
0-100 km/h
—
7.2s
Engine
1496 cc
1598cc
Choosing between the Mazda Mazda3 and the Opel Corsa is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Mazda Mazda3 delivers 88 kW while the Opel Corsa produces 141kW@5850. On fuel, the Mazda3 returns 6.0 l/100km while the Corsa uses 7.3L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R498 300 for the Mazda3 and R271 600 for the Corsa. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Mazda Mazda31.5 Dynamic 5dr 2024 - From R498 300
Opel Corsa1.6 OPC 3-DOOR 2010 - From R271 600
Performance
Power Output
88 kW
141kW@5850
Torque
153 Nm
230Nm@1980
0-100 kph
—
7.2s
Top Speed
-
225km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1496 cc
1598cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Transmission
manual
MANUAL
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.0 l/100km
7.3L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
-
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
-
Fuel Tank Capacity
51 l
45L
CO2 Emissions
140 g/km
172g/km
Dimensions
Length
4460 mm
3999mm
Width
1795 mm
1737-1944mm
Height
1435 mm
1488mm
Wheelbase
2725 mm
2511mm
Ground Clearance
140 mm
-
Kerb Weight
1293 Kg
-
Doors
5
3
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
295 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1000 Kg
-
Load Capacity
—
700kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
ESP
Traction Control
—
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✗
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
—
✗
Sunroof
—
✗
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✗
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
60
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
120000km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
S
Service Plan Years
5yr
—
Service Plan Distance
unlimitedkm
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Corsa
Fuel Economy
Mazda3
Value
Corsa
Practicality
Mazda3
Pros & Cons
Mazda Mazda3
Better fuel economy (6.0 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1000 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Higher starting price
Opel Corsa
Lower starting price (R271 600)
Higher fuel consumption (7.3L/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Mazda3 or Corsa?
The Mazda3 uses 6.0 l/100km and the Corsa uses 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle. The Mazda3 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Mazda3 or Corsa?
The Mazda3 produces 88 kW and 153 Nm of torque while the Corsa delivers 141kW@5850 and 230Nm@1980 of torque. The Corsa is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Mazda3 and Corsa?
The Mazda3 starts from R498 300 and the Corsa from R271 600. The Corsa is cheaper by R226 700 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Mazda3 or Corsa?
The Mazda3 has a braked towing capacity of 1000 Kg and the Corsa can tow 0kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Mazda3 or the Corsa?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.
Also Consider