2006 Honda Pilot 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 Honda Pilot. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Honda Pilot would be higher. At 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Honda Pilot is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Pilot (244 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3.
Because 2006 Honda Pilot is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Pilot 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, 2011 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Pilot. (328 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Pilot. 2006 Honda Pilot has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Honda Pilot will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Pilot | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Pilot | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 328 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 55 L |
