2006 Acura RL vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Acura RL 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 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Acura RL (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (99 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Acura RL weights approximately 492 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 Acura RL 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 Acura RL 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 Acura RL (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2006 Acura RL 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 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Acura RL | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | RL | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1086 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 55 L |
