2006 Ford Five Hundred vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 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 57 more horse power than 2013 Mazda 3. (146 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 1556 kg more than 2013 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 Five Hundred (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda 3. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda 3. 2006 Ford Five Hundred has automatic transmission and 2013 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2013 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 | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Five Hundred | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 55 L |
