2004 Ford Taurus vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Taurus (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 325 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Taurus (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3. 2004 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | 3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 9.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
