2006 Ford Ka vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Ford Ka would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ka. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 374 kg more than 2006 Ford Ka. 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Ka. (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Ka. 2009 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2006 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 2006 Ford Ka will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ka | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ka | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.7 seconds | 10.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
