2006 Honda Pilot vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 6 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 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Honda Pilot is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Pilot (244 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Pilot weights approximately 218 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3. 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, 2006 Honda Pilot (325 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Pilot will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2006 Honda Pilot has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Pilot | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 2000 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 | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1518 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 77 L | 55 L |
