2004 Ford Ka 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 Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2004 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 273 kg more than 2004 Ford Ka. 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 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Ka. (99 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ka | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ka | 3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.4 seconds | 9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 962 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
