2006 Mazda 6 vs. 2011 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 6. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 1260 kg more than 2006 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Nissan Pathfinder 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 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 6, 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, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 6. (270 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 6 | 2011 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 6 | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2964 cc | 4000 cc |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 2070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1834 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
