2006 Honda S2000 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 S2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Honda S2000 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda S2000 (237 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 63 kg more than 2006 Honda S2000.
Because 2006 Honda S2000 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Honda S2000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda S2000. (208 Nm @ 7500 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda S2000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda S2000 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | S2000 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
