2003 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2008 Toyota RAV4 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 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (269 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (160 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 115 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 Toyota RAV4 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, 2008 Toyota RAV4 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, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (334 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (195 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3. 2008 Toyota RAV4 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 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 3 | 2008 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 269 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 334 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.7 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
