2004 Mazda 6 vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,964 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 6 (220 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2012 Subaru Forester. (145 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2012 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Forester weights approximately 37 kg more than 2004 Mazda 6.
Because 2012 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda 6. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester (350 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 6. (260 Nm). This means 2012 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 6 | 2012 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | 6 | Forester |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2964 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1513 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1674 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 64 L |
