2006 Mazda Tribute vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda Tribute. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda Tribute would be higher. At 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mazda Tribute is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda Tribute (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (156 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 421 kg more than 2006 Mazda Tribute.
Because 2006 Mazda Tribute is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mazda Tribute will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Mazda Tribute (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda Tribute will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 2006 Mazda Tribute has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda Tribute will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda Tribute | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | Tribute | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 2259 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 55 L |
