2005 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (141 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Mustang weights approximately 80 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Ford Mustang is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mustang (434 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Mustang | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 16.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
