2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 151 kg more than 2004 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 262 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1571 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.3 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
