2008 Ford Taurus vs. 2013 Mazda SPEED3
To start off, 2013 Mazda SPEED3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2013 Mazda SPEED3. (259 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda SPEED3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda SPEED3 weights approximately 351 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
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, 2013 Mazda SPEED3 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Taurus. (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda SPEED3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Taurus. 2008 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2013 Mazda SPEED3 has manual transmission. 2013 Mazda SPEED3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 2013 Mazda SPEED3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | SPEED3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3495 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 259 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 60 L |
