2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2004 Mitsubishi Colt
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mitsubishi Colt. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mitsubishi Colt would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2004 Mitsubishi Colt. (94 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mitsubishi Colt. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 55 kg more than 2004 Mitsubishi Colt. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mazda 3 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 Mazda 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mitsubishi Colt, 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, 2004 Mitsubishi Colt (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mitsubishi Colt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2004 Mitsubishi Colt | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 3 | Colt |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 47 L |
