2006 Chevrolet Spark vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 6 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Chevrolet Spark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Chevrolet Spark would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 6 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2006 Chevrolet Spark. (65 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2006 Chevrolet Spark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 6 weights approximately 432 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet Spark. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Chevrolet Spark is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Chevrolet Spark. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 6, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mazda 6 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Chevrolet Spark. (87 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Chevrolet Spark. 2012 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 2006 Chevrolet Spark has manual transmission. 2006 Chevrolet Spark will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Spark | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Spark | 6 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 65 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1078 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 70 L |
