2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Mitsubishi Colt
To start off, 2012 Mitsubishi Colt 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mitsubishi Colt (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mitsubishi Colt should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mitsubishi Colt weights approximately 430 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 2006 Mazda 3 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 2006 Mazda 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mitsubishi Colt, 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 Mitsubishi Colt (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mitsubishi Colt will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2012 Mitsubishi Colt | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 3 | Colt |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9:01 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 47 L |
