How Do I Compare a Mazda 3 to a Mazda 6?

The Japanese Mazda corporation has gained a reputation for developing cars that are fun to drive. Recent releases have included the Mazda 3 model, which is available in a five-door hatchback version or a four-door version with a trunk. The larger Mazda 6 is a sports sedan.

Instructions

1

Look at the various engine options available. If performance is what you are looking for from your Mazda car, then this is a key feature. The Mazda 6 leads the way with a four-cylinder 2.5 liter engine with 170 horsepower (hp). The Mazda 3 five-door has a four-cylinder 2.5 liter engine with 167 hp, while the four-door version has a four-cylinder 2 liter standard engine with 148 hp. In standard models, the Mazda 6 is available with sport automatic transmission, and the Mazda 3 models with manual transmission, although this can be upgraded to an automatic.

2

Compare the sizes of fuel tanks and fuel economy. This is important when judging how much you will spend on fuel for the car. The Mazda 6 manual does 20 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The automatic version does 21 and 30 mpg in the city and on the highway, respectively. The Mazda 3 five-door does 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, and the four-door version does 25 mpg in the urban environment and 33 mpg on the highway.

3

Look at the interior dimensions to assess how much space is available in the car. The Mazda 6 has a passenger volume of 101.9 cubic feet and a cargo volume of 16.6 cubic feet. The Mazda 3 five-door has a passenger volume of 94.6 cubic feet and a cargo volume of 17 cubic feet. The Mazda 3 four-door has a passenger volume of 94.1 cubic feet and a cargo volume of 11.8 cubic feet.

4

Compare the comfort and convenience features in the car. The Mazda 6 is available with Bluetooth car audio and phone capability, keyless entry and start system, adjustable driver's seat memory, a Bose surround sound system and a welcome lighting system. These features are available on the Mazda 3 versions, with the Bluetooth phone capability coming as standard on the Mazda 3 five-door version.

5

Check the price of the car. The Mazda 6 starts at $18,600 with the Mazda 3 five-door starting at $19,685 and the four-door at a much cheaper $15,345. These prices can change according to what features and extras are added.