2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2011 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2011 Ford Taurus is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Taurus (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Taurus weights approximately 756 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 2011 Ford Taurus is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus 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, 2011 Ford Taurus (474 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3. 2011 Ford Taurus 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. 2011 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2011 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1981 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 72 L |
