2007 Mazda 5 vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mazda 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mazda 5 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 5. (153 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 739 kg more than 2007 Mazda 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda 5. (201 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda 5. 2012 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda 5 has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda 5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda 5 | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 5 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.9 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 73 L |
