2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (99 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 450 kg more than 2004 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Nissan Pathfinder is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2008 Nissan Pathfinder (391 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2008 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 391 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 1086 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1870 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
