2006 Ford Freestar vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Ford Freestar is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 3,900 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Freestar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Freestar (194 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (149 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Freestar should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Freestar weights approximately 70 kg more than 2004 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 Freestar (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Freestar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2006 Ford Freestar has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Ford Freestar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Freestar | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Freestar | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3900 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.9 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
