2001 Ford Falcon vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Falcon (220 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Falcon weights approximately 255 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2001 Ford Falcon (357 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 2008 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2001 Ford Falcon has manual transmission. 2001 Ford Falcon will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Falcon | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Falcon | 3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3983 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 357 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
