2005 Ford Taurus 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 Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Taurus (153 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 31 kg more than 2005 Ford Taurus.
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 Taurus (266 Nm) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (184 Nm). This means 2005 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Taurus | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 266 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
