2006 Ford Fusion vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Ford Fusion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Ford Fusion would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2006 Ford Fusion. (160 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Fusion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Fusion weights approximately 325 kg more than 2011 Mazda 3.
Because 2006 Ford Fusion 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 Ford Fusion. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3, 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, 2011 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Fusion. (212 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Fusion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Fusion | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fusion | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2278 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.6 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 60 L |
