2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
To start off, 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander 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 2,377 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander (158 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 170 kg more than 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander.
Because 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander 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 Mitsubishi Outlander 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 Mitsubishi Outlander (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 3 | Outlander |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2377 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 9.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
