2003 Mazda Roadster 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 Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 58 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 295 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 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 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2007 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 Roadster | 2007 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | Roadster | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 3311 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 72 L |
