2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2007 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. At 2,231 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2007 Toyota RAV4. (134 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 360 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3.
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, 2007 Toyota RAV4 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2007 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
