2006 Dodge Caliber vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Dodge Caliber is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Dodge Caliber (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 345 kg more than 2005 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 Dodge Caliber (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3. 2005 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2006 Dodge Caliber has manual transmission. 2006 Dodge Caliber will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Caliber | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Caliber | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 11 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
