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 2,262 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (133 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 460 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3.
Because 2006 Mercury Mariner is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner will offer significantly more control. 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 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mariner.
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 | 2184 cc | 2262 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 57 L |
