2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2005 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan 350Z (287 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 284 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.
Because 2005 Nissan 350Z 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 2005 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3, 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, 2005 Nissan 350Z (354 Nm) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2005 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 287 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1469 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
