2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Frontier (152 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 508 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 Nissan Frontier 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 Nissan Frontier. 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 Nissan Frontier (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Frontier |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1693 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
