2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 888 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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 Nissan Pathfinder (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 2008 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1829 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
