2003 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2008 Ford Falcon is newer by 5 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 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Falcon (261 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Falcon weights approximately 394 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 2008 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 2008 Ford Falcon. 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, 2008 Ford Falcon (391 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3. 2008 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 3 | 2008 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Falcon |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 391 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1704 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4967 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1433 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2838 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.5 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.7 L/100km | 13 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 68 L |
