2006 Chevrolet SSR vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Chevrolet SSR 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 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (401 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 297 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 162 kg more than 2006 Chevrolet SSR.
Because 2006 Chevrolet SSR 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 SSR. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3, 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, 2006 Chevrolet SSR (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (230 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet SSR | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | SSR | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5965 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 401 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 542 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.4 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1078 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 55 L |
