2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer
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 Mountaineer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mercury Mountaineer would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (256 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2006 Mercury Mountaineer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercury Mountaineer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 440 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3.
Because 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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 Mountaineer 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 (380 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mountaineer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mountaineer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2006 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 3 | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 85 L |
