2012 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Mazda 6
To start off, both 2012 Mazda 3 and 2012 Mazda 6 were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 6. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2012 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, 2012 Mazda 3 (360 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 6. (165 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 6. 2012 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda 3 | 2012 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 3 | 6 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1755 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2639 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
