2006 Ford Five Hundred vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, both 2006 Ford Five Hundred and 2006 Mazda 3 were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Five Hundred is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Five Hundred (203 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (139 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 1722 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mazda 3 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 Mazda 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred, 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 Ford Five Hundred (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3. 2006 Ford Five Hundred has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Ford Five Hundred will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Five Hundred | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Five Hundred | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 1998 cc |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.8 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
