2007 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Volvo V50
To start off, 2007 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volvo V50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volvo V50 would be higher. At 2,442 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda 3 (256 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2006 Volvo V50. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo V50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda 3 weights approximately 63 kg more than 2006 Volvo V50. 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, 2007 Mazda 3 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volvo V50. (231 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volvo V50.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda 3 | 2006 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 3 | V50 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.1 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
