2006 Fiat Punto vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Fiat Punto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Fiat Punto would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2006 Fiat Punto. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 438 kg more than 2006 Fiat Punto. 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Fiat Punto. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Fiat Punto. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2006 Fiat Punto has manual transmission. 2006 Fiat Punto will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Fiat Punto | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Punto | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 60 L |
