2010 Mazda 6 vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 6. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 6.
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, 2011 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda 6. (165 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda 6. 2010 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mazda 6 | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 6 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4755 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1795 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2789 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
