2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2002 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Corolla (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 70 kg more than 2002 Toyota Corolla.
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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (143 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2002 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
