2005 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2008 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 3 weights approximately 165 kg more than 2008 Mazda CX-7.
Because 2008 Mazda CX-7 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, 2008 Mazda CX-7 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 CX-7 (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3. 2008 Mazda CX-7 has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 2008 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 3 | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1345 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 13.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 69 L |
