2003 Toyota Highlander vs. 2013 Mazda 2
To start off, 2013 Mazda 2 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Highlander (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2013 Mazda 2. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 642 kg more than 2013 Mazda 2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 Mazda 2. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Toyota Highlander (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda 2. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda 2. 2003 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2013 Mazda 2 has manual transmission. 2013 Mazda 2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Toyota Highlander | 2013 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Highlander | 2 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 1043 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2489 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 43 L |
