2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 785 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 Mountaineer 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 Mountaineer 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 Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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 Mountaineer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.3 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 85 L |
