2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mercury Mariner. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercury Mariner would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 829 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Mercury Mariner (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 2006 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2299 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 kg | 2011 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
