2004 Ford Five Hundred vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Five Hundred. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Five Hundred would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Five Hundred is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 400 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2004 Ford Five Hundred (266 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 2004 Ford Five Hundred has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Five Hundred will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Five Hundred | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Five Hundred | 3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 266 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
