2002 Ford Mustang vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 11 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Mustang (385 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 2013 Mazda 3. (165 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Mustang weights approximately 277 kg more than 2013 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, 2013 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 301 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Mustang | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | 3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4600 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 385 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 529 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
