2006 Mazda 3 vs. 1997 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 95 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3.
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 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Corolla. (131 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 1997 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2470 mm |
