2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2004 Mercury Marauder
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercury Marauder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercury Marauder would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Marauder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Marauder (302 HP) has 20 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (282 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Marauder should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Marauder weights approximately 420 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mercury Marauder is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Mercury Marauder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mazda 3 (576 Nm) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mercury Marauder. (431 Nm). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mercury Marauder. 2004 Mercury Marauder has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercury Marauder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2004 Mercury Marauder | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Marauder |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 302 HP |
| Torque | 576 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1905 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 72 L |
