2003 Mazda 6 vs. 2009 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2009 Toyota Prius is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 6 (145 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Prius. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 155 kg more than 2009 Toyota Prius. 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, 2003 Mazda 6 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Prius. (82 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Prius. 2009 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda 6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 6 | 2009 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 6 | Prius |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 13.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 45 L |
