2003 Ford Explorer vs. 2006 Mazda 6
To start off, 2006 Mazda 6 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,014 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 6. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 589 kg more than 2006 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mazda 6. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer 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, 2003 Ford Explorer (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 6. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 6. 2006 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 2006 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Explorer | 6 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4014 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.4 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3490 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 64 L |
