2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (149 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 430 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Smart ForTwo is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo. 2006 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mazda | Smart |
| Model | 3 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 15.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 33 L |
