2005 Ford Five Hundred vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Five Hundred. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Five Hundred would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Five Hundred is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Five Hundred (203 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 430 kg more than 2012 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, 2005 Ford Five Hundred (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Five Hundred | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Five Hundred | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
