2006 Ford Fiesta vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2010 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 3 (113 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2006 Ford Fiesta. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Fiesta.
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, 2010 Mazda 3 (270 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Fiesta. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Fiesta | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
