2005 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,016 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Explorer weights approximately 556 kg more than 2011 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Explorer 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, 2005 Ford Explorer (321 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3. 2011 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2005 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2005 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Explorer | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Explorer | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4016 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 60 L |
