2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Subaru Outback
To start off, both 2006 Mazda 3 and 2006 Subaru Outback were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Subaru Outback (242 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Subaru Outback weights approximately 425 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 Subaru Outback 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 Subaru Outback 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 Subaru Outback (297 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2006 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | 3 | Outback |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 297 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 219 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 8.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
