2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Nissan Pathfinder would be higher. At 3,949 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder (270 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 208 kg more than 2008 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Nissan Pathfinder is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder (395 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2006 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3949 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 395 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
