2004 Mazda 2 vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 2 would be higher. At 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 2. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 280 kg more than 2004 Mazda 2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda 2. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 2. (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 2. 2009 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 2 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 2 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 2 | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 2 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 3456 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 73 L |
