2005 Mazda 3 vs. 2003 Mazda Tribute
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Tribute. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Tribute would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Tribute is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Tribute (129 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda Tribute weights approximately 80 kg more than 2005 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda Tribute is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Tribute 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, 2003 Mazda Tribute (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Tribute will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 2003 Mazda Tribute | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 3 | Tribute |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
