2006 Nissan Altima vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Altima (260 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2013 Mazda 3. (153 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Altima weights approximately 91 kg more than 2013 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2006 Nissan Altima (339 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda 3. (200 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Nissan Altima | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Altima | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3491 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1469 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.6 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.9 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
