2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2009 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2009 Toyota Prius 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Prius. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Prius weights approximately 145 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3.
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, 2006 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Prius. (82 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2009 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Prius |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 84.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 13.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
