2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, both 2006 Mazda 3 and 2006 Nissan Pathfinder were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,950 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder (270 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (139 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 720 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 2006 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder (396 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2006 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3950 cc |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 396 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.3 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
