2009 Ford Taurus vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 219 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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 Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.7 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
