2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2010 Dodge Dakota
To start off, 2010 Dodge Dakota is newer by 4 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 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Dodge Dakota (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 506 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 2010 Dodge Dakota 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, 2010 Dodge Dakota 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, 2010 Dodge Dakota (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2010 Dodge Dakota | |
| Make | Mazda | Dodge |
| Model | 3 | Dakota |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1691 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 83 L |
