2009 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Ford Mustang 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (139 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 168 kg more than 2009 Ford Mustang.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mustang (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Mustang | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1998 cc |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
