2008 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Subaru Forester (227 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Subaru Forester weights approximately 408 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 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester (320 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda 3 | 2006 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | 3 | Forester |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1225 kg | 1633 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
