2006 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Ford Explorer is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (160 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Explorer weights approximately 1622 kg more than 2003 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 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (195 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Explorer | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Explorer | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.3 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2862 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
