1997 Ford Falcon vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Falcon (301 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Falcon weights approximately 519 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.
Because 1997 Ford Falcon 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 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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 Ford Falcon (515 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 391 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Falcon | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Falcon | 3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 515 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 169 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1674 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
