2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Mazda Tribute
To start off, 2009 Mazda Tribute is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 2009 Mazda Tribute. (171 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda Tribute. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda Tribute weights approximately 70 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
Because 2009 Mazda Tribute is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mazda Tribute will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda Tribute. (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda Tribute. 2009 Mazda Tribute has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda Tribute will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2009 Mazda Tribute | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | Tribute |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 2483 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 62 L |
