2012 Mazda 3 vs. 2002 Mazda 6
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 6. (130 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 125 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
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, 2002 Mazda 6 (188 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda 3 | 2002 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 3 | 6 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
