2006 Chevrolet Tahoe vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe would be higher. At 4,802 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe (285 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe weights approximately 800 kg more than 2011 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 Tahoe. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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 Tahoe (401 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3. 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Tahoe | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4802 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2190 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 60 L |
