2008 Ford Taurus X vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus X 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus X is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus X (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus X should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 128 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus X.
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, 2008 Ford Taurus X (332 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus X will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3. 2008 Ford Taurus X has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus X will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus X | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus X | 3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.4 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 55 L |
