2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Honda Insight
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight 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 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 7 more horse power than 2012 Honda Insight. (98 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Insight weights approximately 61 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, 2012 Honda Insight (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Honda Insight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2012 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Mazda | Honda |
| Model | 3 | Insight |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| 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 | 1246 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
