2009 Honda Civic vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic 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 1,998 cc, 2006 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 3 (139 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 234 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3.
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 Honda Civic, 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, 2006 Mazda 3 (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (124 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1339 cc | 1998 cc |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 1134 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.6 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
