2003 Mazda 3 vs. 2005 Porsche 996
To start off, 2005 Porsche 996 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Porsche 996 (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Porsche 996 weights approximately 145 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 2005 Porsche 996 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Porsche 996 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, 2005 Porsche 996 (370 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 3 | 2005 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | 3 | 996 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2360 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
