2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercury Mountaineer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercury Mountaineer would be higher. At 3,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer (202 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 789 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 2005 Mercury Mountaineer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer 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, 2005 Mercury Mountaineer (339 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer 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. 2005 Mercury Mountaineer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2005 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 2049 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 85 L |
