2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2011 Ford Transit Connect
To start off, 2011 Ford Transit Connect 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Ford Transit Connect is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (141 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2011 Ford Transit Connect. (136 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford Transit Connect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Transit Connect weights approximately 89 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, 2008 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 187 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Transit Connect. (173 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Transit Connect. 2011 Ford Transit Connect 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 Transit Connect will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2011 Ford Transit Connect | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | 3 | Transit Connect |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Panel Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1574 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 2014 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2911 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 58 L |
