2007 Toyota Highlander vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 3,311 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Toyota Highlander (215 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 3 weights approximately 223 kg more than 2007 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2007 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Toyota Highlander (301 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3. 2007 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Toyota Highlander | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Highlander | 3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3311 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 1297 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
