2009 Dodge Charger vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Dodge Charger is newer by 3 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 3,518 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Charger (250 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Charger weights approximately 432 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Charger 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 2009 Dodge Charger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2009 Dodge Charger (339 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Charger | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Charger | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3518 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1692 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
