2000 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,603 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Mustang (260 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (139 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Mustang weights approximately 346 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2000 Ford Mustang (406 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Ford Mustang | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | 3 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4603 cc | 1998 cc |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 406 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
