2002 Citroen C3 vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Citroen C3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Citroen C3 would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2002 Citroen C3. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2002 Citroen C3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Mazda 3 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Citroen C3. (120 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Citroen C3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Citroen C3 | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | C3 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 55 L |
