1996 Ford Taurus vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Taurus weights approximately 369 kg more than 2005 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Ford Taurus (312 Nm) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (183 Nm). This means 1996 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1223 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
