2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2004 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Toyota RAV4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Toyota RAV4 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2004 Toyota RAV4. (145 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Toyota RAV4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2004 Toyota RAV4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Toyota RAV4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Toyota RAV4 will offer significantly more control. 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 Toyota RAV4 (200 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2004 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
