2003 Mazda 6 vs. 2002 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 6 (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2002 Subaru Forester. (124 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2002 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Subaru Forester weights approximately 35 kg more than 2003 Mazda 6.
Because 2002 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda 6. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Subaru Forester 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 Mazda 6 (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Subaru Forester. (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Subaru Forester. 2002 Subaru Forester has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda 6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 6 | 2002 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | 6 | Forester |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2530 mm |
