2009 Ford Mondeo vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Ford Mondeo 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Mondeo (217 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 512 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 2006 Mazda 3 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 Mazda 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Mondeo, 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 Ford Mondeo (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Mondeo | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mondeo | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.2 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1632 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
