2006 Buick LaCrosse vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 3,786 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Buick LaCrosse (200 HP) has 40 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (160 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 710 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Buick LaCrosse (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (195 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Buick LaCrosse | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | LaCrosse | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3786 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 160 HP |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
