2003 Mazda 6 vs. 2005 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2005 Subaru Forester is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 6 (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2005 Subaru Forester. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2005 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2005 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Subaru Forester. (184 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Subaru Forester.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 6 | 2005 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | 6 | Forester |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 189 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.3 seconds | 11.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.8 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 60 L |
