2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2002 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Sable weights approximately 325 kg more than 2006 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, 2002 Mercury Sable (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2002 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Sable |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 85 L |
