2004 Ford Five Hundred 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 Five Hundred. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Five Hundred would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Five Hundred is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Five Hundred (200 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 460 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.
Because 2006 Mazda 3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Mazda 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Five Hundred, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 Ford Five Hundred (266 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3. 2004 Ford Five Hundred has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Five Hundred will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Ford Five Hundred | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Five Hundred | 3 |
Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2966 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 105 HP |
Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 266 Nm | 146 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 2650 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |