2005 Mazda 3 vs. 2013 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2013 Toyota Highlander is newer by 8 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Toyota Highlander (228 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 1080 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 2013 Toyota Highlander is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander 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, 2013 Toyota Highlander (292 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2013 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 2013 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 2165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4795 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
