2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (390 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (139 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 528 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (530 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 348 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | 3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 1998 cc |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
