2008 Toyota Highlander vs. 2011 Mazda 5
To start off, 2011 Mazda 5 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 3,546 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 5. (157 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 1031 kg more than 2011 Mazda 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mazda 5. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 5. (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 5. 2008 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda 5 has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda 5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Highlander | 2011 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Highlander | 5 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3546 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2581 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 60 L |
