2008 Honda Ridgeline vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Honda Ridgeline is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Honda Ridgeline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Ridgeline (247 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Ridgeline should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 431 kg more than 2008 Honda Ridgeline.
Because 2008 Honda Ridgeline is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Ridgeline 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, 2008 Honda Ridgeline (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Ridgeline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2008 Honda Ridgeline has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda Ridgeline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda Ridgeline | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Ridgeline | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 55 L |
