2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2013 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2013 Toyota Highlander is newer by 10 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Toyota Highlander (266 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 685 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 2003 Mazda Roadster is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Mazda Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2013 Toyota Highlander (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2013 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2013 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. 2013 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2013 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | Roadster | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 105 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 73 L |
