2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2005 Opel Speedster
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Opel Speedster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Opel Speedster would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Opel Speedster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Speedster (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Speedster should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2005 Opel Speedster.
Because 2005 Opel Speedster 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 Opel Speedster. 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 Opel Speedster (251 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Speedster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2005 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | 3 | Speedster |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 243 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 4.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 36 L |
