2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2009 Mazda 5
To start off, 2009 Mazda 5 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 5 (108 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 5 weights approximately 429 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Mazda 5 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2009 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 3 | 5 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| 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 | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 13.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 6.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
