2003 Mazda 6 vs. 2007 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2007 Toyota Highlander is newer by 4 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 3,311 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Toyota Highlander (215 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 6. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 306 kg more than 2007 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2007 Toyota Highlander 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, 2007 Toyota Highlander 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, 2007 Toyota Highlander (301 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 6. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 6. 2007 Toyota Highlander 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. 2007 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 6 | 2007 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 6 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 3311 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 72 L |
