2002 Ford Mustang vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2003 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Mustang (390 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 282 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Mustang weights approximately 62 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Ford Mustang 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 2002 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2002 Ford Mustang (529 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 389 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Mustang | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | 3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 529 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1482 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
