2006 Ford Five Hundred vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Ford Five Hundred. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Ford Five Hundred would be higher. 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 98 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 455 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Ford Five Hundred is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred will offer significantly more control. 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 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Five Hundred | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Five Hundred | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
