2006 Honda Civic vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Honda Civic is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Civic (139 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Civic weights approximately 570 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Honda Civic is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Civic | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87.3 mm | 78.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
