2004 Honda Z vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Honda Z would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 6 (272 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 2004 Honda Z. (51 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2004 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 6 weights approximately 661 kg more than 2004 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Honda Z is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mazda 6. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Honda Z will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Mazda 6 (364 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Honda Z. (62 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Honda Z. 2012 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 2004 Honda Z has manual transmission. 2004 Honda Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Honda Z | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Z | 6 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 272 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 62 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1621 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 70 L |
