2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2010 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2010 Toyota Highlander 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 3,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 861 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 Toyota Highlander is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander (287 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2010 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | 3 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 287 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 2046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
