2009 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Nissan Pathfinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Nissan Pathfinder would be higher. At 3,950 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder (270 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2006 Nissan Pathfinder.
Because 2006 Nissan Pathfinder 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 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2006 Nissan Pathfinder (396 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda 3 | 2006 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | 3 | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 396 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
