2008 Ford Fiesta vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Ford Fiesta 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 3 weights approximately 238 kg more than 2008 Ford Fiesta. 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, 2005 Mazda 3 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (106 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Fiesta | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.3 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
