2006 Honda Civic vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2010 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2006 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Civic.
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, 2010 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Civic. (175 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Civic. 2006 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2010 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2010 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Civic | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1803 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
