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Choosing the Perfect Car, Is It the Mazda 3 or the Mazda 6?
Table of Contents
If you’re thinking of upgrading your car but can't decide between these two Mazda sedans, look no further. With a range of different specs and benefits, we compare their size, performance, and overall value in a head to head battle for the best.
Interior Space
Winner: Mazda 6
The first significant difference between the two models is their size. The scale distinction between the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 is clear. The Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 both have a five-person passenger volume, but because the Mazda 3 is a compact car and the Mazda 6 is a midsize car, the Mazda 6 is significantly longer and wider than the Mazda 3. Both models are four-door sedans, with the Mazda 3 offering a 5-door option, but the Mazda 3 is the smaller of the two.
This can, of course, have its benefits. The Mazda 3 has a narrower turning radius because of its compact scale, suitable for manoeuvring around narrow spaces and into tighter parking spaces. The Mazda 3 is slimmer, which allows it to fit into tight spaces. So for a busy city dweller on the go, this model can be super convenient.
Although the space in the front and rear seats of both are relatively similar, the Mazda 6 easily wins this round in terms of interior space, considering its more significant legroom, headspace, and boot space.
Range
Winner: Tie
The Mazda 3 is available as a sedan or hatchback styles. The Mazda 6 comes in a sedan or wagon version, making it ideal for a family car. Although both cars come in various styles, there are five grades available in the Mazda 3 line, whereas Mazda 6 only has four. However, of those models, there are 10 colours available, compared to the eight colours of the Mazda 3, making this round an easy tie.
Performance
Winner: Mazda 6
While both the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 have the same basic engine (a 2.5L Inline-4), the Mazda6 has slightly higher horsepower than the Mazda 3. The Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 both come standard with an automatic transmission, but a side-by-side comparison between the Mazda 3 Premium Package and the Mazda 6 Sport showed the Mazda 3 with 186 horsepower and 186 torque. In comparison, the Mazda 6 comes with 187 horsepower and 186 torque.
Fuel Efficiency
Winner: Mazda 3
Mazda 3 has a slight edge on fuel economy. The Mazda hybrid boasts a 1.5l/100km advantage over the Mazda 6. While any other Mazda 3 will still come in with a modest 0,7l/100km advantage over its larger, heavier brother.
The Mazda 3 also harnesses energy from braking, delivering stored power to increase torque and boost the car’s electric grid.
Infotainment
Winner: Mazda 3
With both cars bristling with the latest and greatest, these cars both do a fine job of delivering easy to use infotainment systems and effortless connectivity solutions. Both the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 provide virtually the same entertainment and navigation capabilities, including the standard CD player and radio, and the option of wireless or voice-activated access via your Bluetooth headsets, as well as navigational assistance and telematics systems. Looking at the base trims, the Mazda 3 does have a slightly larger 8.8-inch infotainment screen and two extra speakers - while the Mazda 6 has sporty paddle gear shift controls and an additional power outlet. Besides these almost trivial disparities, there’s not much difference between them.
Features
Winner: Mazda 6
What comes standard on the Mazda 6 Touring or Grand Touring may be optional on the Mazda 3 Sport, but there are still plenty of luxury features to choose from. Sunroofs, heated front seats, leather interiors, independent temperature controls for the driver and front passenger and cruise control are only a few examples.
As opposed to standard cruise control, Mazda Radar Cruise Control is only available as an option on the Mazda 3 Grand Touring and Mazda 6 Grand Touring.
Price
Winner: Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 will roughly save you $9,000 compared to the Mazda 6. Depending on which features you add, they both appreciate at very similar rates, with the highest trims reflecting a similar price gap. With a turbocharged engine, the Mazda 6 does present a better driving experience. But, when it comes to value, things get a bit dicey. The Mazda 6’s turbocharged engine only kicks in at the Grand Touring level.
Furthermore, you could forgo the Mazda 6 base trim, and with essentially the same money, get a Mazda 3 GT. That’ll come with heated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. And how much more is all that, I hear you ask? A mere $80 is all.
Safety
Winner: Mazda 3
Both cars boast a 5-star ANCAP safety rating and a host of driver assistance tech, such as lane departure warning, cruise control, and so on. With these cars, it comes down to the bare basics. The Mazda 3 is smaller, and the size of the hatchback reduces the range of view. If you’re parking in a tight garage, the Mazda 6 only offers front and rear parking sensors on its highest Signature trim, while the Mazda 3 is bursting with safety tech from the bottom of the range upward. It also has an extra airbag. If you’re after a car that doesn’t skimp on safety because of its size, stick with the Mazda 3.
Verdict
For the more savvy metro-dwelling driver who enjoys a playful ride, the Mazda 3 could be the best choice for you. But, for someone who needs the extra space and feels deserving of more power, you know what you’ve got to do. With an entire range of trims and options to indulge in, choosing between these Mazda sedans isn’t as simple as it might seem. No one knows your needs better than you - for a complete picture, get in touch with your local leadership and organise a test drive.