2008 Fiat Panda vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Fiat Panda is newer by 2 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 1,998 cc, 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (139 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2008 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 169 kg more than 2008 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Fiat Panda 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 3 (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat Panda | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Panda | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1998 cc |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 55 L |
