Mazda MX-5 2006 vs Mazda MX-3 1994
| Body: | Cabrio | Coupe | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
| Engine: | 2.0 Petrol | 1.8 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing belt | |
| Engine chain usually needs to be replaced less often than the timing belt, but the cost of replacing the chain is usually higher. Chain motors are considered to be more reliable, but noisier and more vibration generating. | |||
Performance | |||
| Power: | 160 HP | 132 HP | |
| Torque: | 188 NM | 160 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 8.2 seconds | 8.5 seconds | |
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Mazda MX-5 is more dynamic to drive. Mazda MX-5 engine produces 28 HP more power than Mazda MX-3, whereas torque is 28 NM more than Mazda MX-3. Thanks to more power Mazda MX-5 reaches 100 km/h speed 0.3 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 8.2 | 9.5 | |
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The Mazda MX-5 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. Mazda MX-5 consumes 1.3 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mazda MX-3, which means that by driving the Mazda MX-5 over 15,000 km in a year you can save 195 litres of fuel. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 litres | 50 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 600 km in combined cycle | 520 km in combined cycle | |
| 760 km on highway | 700 km on highway | ||
| Mazda MX-5 gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
| Read the article "Fuel Efficiency: How to Reduce Fuel Consumption" to learn more about fuel economy. | |||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | Front wheel drive (FWD) | |
| Front-wheel drive cars (Mazda MX-3) have better traction on slippery roads and when climbing hills, better fuel economy, and are less expensive to purchase. On the disadvantage side, FWD cars usually have less towing capacity, poorer acceleration and harder handling. Rear-wheel drive cars (Mazda MX-5) have better handling on dry roads, better acceleration, more even weight distribution and more fun to drive. RWD is also better for towing large loads. The cons of rear-wheel drive are less interior and trunk space and more difficulty maneuvering in wet and snowy conditions. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 420'000 km | 400'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 13 years | 7 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 4 other car models, including Mazda 6, Mazda 3, Mazda 5, Mazda CX-5 | Used only for this car | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Mazda MX-5 might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
| Hydraulic tappets: | no | yes | |
| The Mazda MX-3 engine has hydraulic tappets (lifters), providing quieter operation and no need for periodic adjustment, but they are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in case of failure. | |||
| Mazda MX-5 2006 2.0 engine: The engine tends to idle unevenly. Engine problems may also include the thermostat and cooling pump. This engine tends to consume more oil at higher mileages. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.00 m | 4.22 m | |
| Width: | 1.72 m | 1.70 m | |
| Height: | 1.26 m | 1.31 m | |
| Mazda MX-5 is 22 cm shorter than the Mazda MX-3, 2 cm wider, while the height of Mazda MX-5 is 5 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 150 litres | 289 litres | |
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Mazda MX-3 has more luggage space. Mazda MX-5 has 139 litres less trunk space than the Mazda MX-3. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10 meters | 9.8 meters | |
| The turning circle of the Mazda MX-5 is 0.2 metres more than that of the Mazda MX-3. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`355 | 1`540 | |
| Safety: | no data | no data | |
| Quality: | high | no data | |
| Average price (€): | 5400 | 1000 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Mazda MX-5 has
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Mazda MX-3 has
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