2008 Mazda 6 vs. 2005 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Mazda 6 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 6 (156 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2005 Toyota Highlander. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 301 kg more than 2008 Mazda 6.
Because 2005 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda 6. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 6. (207 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 6. 2005 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 6 | 2005 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 6 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2360 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 207 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1384 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 73 L |
