2004 Ford Fusion vs. 2005 Mazda Marathon
To start off, 2005 Mazda Marathon is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Fusion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Fusion would be higher. At 2,260 cc, 2005 Mazda Marathon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda Marathon (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2004 Ford Fusion. (79 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda Marathon should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Fusion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda Marathon weights approximately 372 kg more than 2004 Ford Fusion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mazda Marathon 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 2005 Mazda Marathon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Fusion, 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, 2005 Mazda Marathon (174 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Fusion. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda Marathon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Fusion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Fusion | 2005 Mazda Marathon | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fusion | Marathon |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 2260 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 10 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1517 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 76 L |
