2005 Honda Z 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 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Honda Z would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2005 Honda Z. (51 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 271 kg more than 2005 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Honda Z is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Honda Z 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 Mazda 3 (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Z. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Z | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Z | 3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
