Difference Between Mazda 3 and Mazda 6

Overview of Mazda 3 and Mazda 6

Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 are two popular sedans offered by the Japanese automaker, Mazda. The Mazda 3 is a compact car while the Mazda 6 is a mid-size car, and both models are known for their sleek design, responsive handling, and advanced technology features. The Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 are both available in both sedan and hatchback body styles, and they offer a variety of engine and transmission options to suit different driving preferences.The Mazda 3 is generally considered a more affordable and efficient option, while the Mazda 6 offers more space and power.

Overall, Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 are both well-regarded vehicles that offer a balance of style, performance, and practicality.

Brief history and evolution of Mazda 3 and Mazda 6

The Mazda 3 was first introduced in 2003 as a replacement for the Mazda Protege. The first generation of the Mazda 3 was available as a four-door sedan or five-door hatchback and featured Mazda’s signature “Zoom-Zoom” driving dynamics. The second generation of the Mazda 3 was introduced in 2009, and it featured a new design language and improvements to its performance and fuel efficiency.

The Mazda 6, on the other hand, was first introduced in 2002 as a replacement for the Mazda 626. The first generation of the Mazda 6 was available as a sedan or wagon and featured a sporty and modern design. The second generation of the Mazda 6 was introduced in 2008, and it featured a more refined design and improved performance.

Since then, both models have undergone several updates and redesigns to keep up with changing consumer preferences and technology advancements. The latest generations of the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 feature more advanced safety features, sleeker designs, and improved fuel efficiency. Both vehicles have gained a reputation for providing a fun and engaging driving experience while also being practical and reliable.

Difference Between Mazda 3 and Mazda 6

The choice between the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 comes down to personal preference, priorities, and budget. Both models offer a lot of value for their respective price points, and they’re both well-regarded by critics and consumers alike. Whether you’re looking for a sporty and nimble car or a premium and comfortable ride, Mazda has a model that’s sure to fit your needs.

Exterior Design

The exterior design is one of the most noticeable differences between Mazda 3 and Mazda 6.

Here are some of the key differences:

1. Exterior Dimensions: The Mazda 6 is larger than the Mazda 3 in terms of exterior dimensions. The Mazda 6 is about 10 inches longer and 2 inches wider than the Mazda 3, which makes it more spacious inside.
2. Body Styles: Both the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 are available in both sedan and hatchback body styles. However, the Mazda 6 is also available in a wagon body style in some markets.
3. Front and Rear Fascia: The front and rear fascia design of the two models are distinct from each other. The Mazda 3 has a more angular and aggressive front grille design, while the Mazda 6 has a more elegant and refined grille design. The rear of the Mazda 3 is characterized by a sporty and sleek taillight design, while the Mazda 6 has a more traditional and sophisticated taillight design.
4. Wheel Size and Design: The Mazda 6 comes with larger wheel size options than the Mazda 3. The Mazda 6’s wheels range from 17 to 19 inches in size, while the Mazda 3’s wheels range from 16 to 18 inches. Additionally, the wheel design of the Mazda 6 is more intricate and stylish compared to the Mazda 3.

Interior Design

The interior design of Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 is another area where they differ from each other.

Here are some of the key differences:

1. Interior Dimensions: The Mazda 6 is larger than the Mazda 3 in terms of interior dimensions. The Mazda 6 has more legroom, headroom, and shoulder room in both the front and rear seats, making it a more comfortable option for taller passengers.
2. Seating Capacity: The Mazda 3 is available in both 5-seat sedan and hatchback body styles, while the Mazda 6 is only available as a 5-seat sedan.
3. Interior Materials and Finishes: Both models have a similar design aesthetic, but the Mazda 6 has a more luxurious feel, with higher-quality materials and finishes throughout the cabin. The Mazda 6 features leather seats, genuine wood trim, and metal accents that give it a more premium look and feel.
4. Infotainment and Technology Features: The Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 offer a similar range of technology features, including a standard 8.8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and a range of safety features like blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane departure warning. However, the Mazda 6 offers additional features like a premium Bose sound system, a heads-up display, and a 360-degree camera system that are not available in the Mazda 3.

Performance and Engine

The Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 have distinct performance characteristics and engine options.

Here are some of the key differences:

1. Engine Options: The Mazda 3 is available with two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 186 horsepower. The Mazda 6, on the other hand, has three engine options: a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower, a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 250 horsepower, and a diesel 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 168 horsepower.
2. Transmission Options: Both models offer a standard six-speed automatic transmission, but the Mazda 3 is also available with a six-speed manual transmission in certain trims, while the Mazda 6 is available with a six-speed manual transmission only in the base model.
3. Handling and Suspension: The Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 are both known for their responsive handling and agile performance. However, the Mazda 6 has a more refined and comfortable suspension that provides a smoother ride quality than the Mazda 3. The Mazda 6 also features G-Vectoring Control Plus, a system that improves stability and handling by shifting weight to the front tires during cornering.
4. Fuel Efficiency: The Mazda 3 is more fuel-efficient than the Mazda 6 due to its smaller size and lighter weight. The Mazda 3 with the base 2.0-liter engine gets an estimated 28 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway, while the Mazda 6 with the base 2.5-liter engine gets an estimated 24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. However, the Mazda 6’s turbocharged engine offers a balance of power and efficiency, with an estimated 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.

Driving and HandlingDriving and Handling

Both the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 are known for their responsive handling and fun-to-drive nature.

Here are some of the key differences in their driving and handling:

1. Size and Weight: The Mazda 6 is larger and heavier than the Mazda 3, which affects its handling characteristics. The Mazda 6 is more stable and planted on the road, with a more substantial feel when driving at higher speeds. The Mazda 3, on the other hand, is more nimble and agile, making it a better option for city driving and tight parking spaces.
2. Steering: Both models feature Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus, which improves steering response and stability by shifting weight to the front wheels during cornering. However, the Mazda 6 has a more refined and precise steering feel, while the Mazda 3 has a sportier and more direct steering response.
3. Suspension: The Mazda 6 has a more refined and comfortable suspension that provides a smoother ride quality than the Mazda 3. The Mazda 6’s suspension is designed to absorb bumps and road imperfections, making it a better option for longer drives or highway commutes. The Mazda 3, on the other hand, has a more firm suspension that provides a sportier and more engaging driving experience.
4. All-Wheel Drive: The Mazda 3 is available with an all-wheel-drive system, which improves traction and stability on slippery or wet roads. The Mazda 6, on the other hand, is only available with front-wheel drive.

Safety Features

Both the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 have a range of advanced safety features to help prevent accidents and protect passengers.

Here are some of the key safety features in both models:

1. Mazda Radar Cruise Control: This feature helps the driver maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front by automatically adjusting the speed of the car.
2. Blind Spot Monitoring: This system detects vehicles in the driver’s blind spots and provides a warning signal when the driver attempts to change lanes.
3. Rear Cross Traffic Alert: This feature helps the driver avoid collisions when reversing out of a parking space by detecting approaching vehicles.
4. Lane Departure Warning: This system alerts the driver when the car starts to drift out of its lane without signaling.
5. Adaptive Front Lighting System: This system adjusts the angle of the headlights according to the speed of the car and the direction of the steering wheel, improving visibility at night.
6. Smart City Brake Support: This feature helps prevent low-speed collisions by automatically applying the brakes when an obstacle is detected.
7. Automatic Emergency Braking: This system applies the brakes when the car detects an imminent collision, reducing the risk of accidents.
8. High Beam Control: This system automatically adjusts the high beams according to traffic conditions, improving visibility and reducing glare for other drivers.

Both the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 also have a range of airbags and advanced safety systems to protect passengers in the event of an accident, including front, side, and curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control.

Price and Value

The Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 have different price points and offer varying levels of value.

Here are some of the key differences:

1. Price: The Mazda 3 is generally more affordable than the Mazda 6, with a starting price of around $20,000 for the base model. The Mazda 6, on the other hand, starts at around $24,000 for the base model.
2. Features: The Mazda 6 has more standard features than the Mazda 3, such as a larger infotainment screen, more advanced safety features, and a more powerful engine. However, the Mazda 3 offers a better value for the price, with many of the same features as the Mazda 6 at a lower price point.
3. Resale Value: Both the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 have strong resale values, with the Mazda 3 generally retaining more of its value over time due to its popularity and lower price point. However, the Mazda 6 may be a better long-term investment for those who plan to keep their car for several years, as it offers a more premium driving experience and higher-end features.
4. Maintenance and Repair Costs: The Mazda 3 is generally less expensive to maintain and repair than the Mazda 6, due to its smaller size and simpler design. However, both models are known for their reliability and are generally less expensive to maintain than many of their competitors.

The choice between the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 comes down to personal preference and priorities. The Mazda 3 offers a great value for those on a budget, while the Mazda 6 is a more premium option with a higher level of features and performance.

Conclusion

The Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 are both excellent cars that offer a great driving experience and a range of advanced features. While both models share some similarities, they also have their own unique characteristics and strengths.

The Mazda 3 is a smaller and more affordable option that offers a sporty driving experience, good fuel economy, and a range of advanced safety features. It’s a great choice for those who prioritize value and agility, and it’s a popular option among younger drivers and city dwellers.

The Mazda 6, on the other hand, is a more premium option that offers a larger size, more advanced features, and a more refined driving experience. It’s a great choice for those who prioritize performance, comfort, and technology, and it’s a popular option among families and commuters.

Referance website

Here are some references used to gather information about the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6:

1. Mazda USA – https://www.mazdausa.com/
2. Car and Driver – https://www.caranddriver.com/
3. Edmunds – https://www.edmunds.com/
4. Motor Trend – https://www.motortrend.com/
5. Kelley Blue Book – https://www.kbb.com/
6. Autotrader – https://www.autotrader.com/
7. Consumer Reports – https://www.consumerreports.org/
8. S. News & World Report – https://cars.usnews.com/
9. CarGurus – https://www.cargurus.com/

These sources provided detailed information on the exterior and interior design, performance and engine specifications, safety features, pricing, and other relevant information about the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6.