2004 Ford Fiesta vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2004 Ford Fiesta. (67 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 153 kg more than 2004 Ford Fiesta. 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 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Fiesta. (106 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Fiesta | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | 3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.3 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.2 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
