2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Ford F-150
To start off, 2012 Ford F-150 is newer by 6 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford F-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford F-150 (360 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford F-150 weights approximately 1254 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 2012 Ford F-150 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Ford F-150. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Ford F-150 (515 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 369 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3. 2012 Ford F-150 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford F-150 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2012 Ford F-150 | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | 3 | F-150 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 2383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 98 L |
