
Are you a Portland, ME car shopper trying to decide between the Mazda3 and Mazda6? Both cars we have in stock at Goodwin Mazda have their own unique perks and benefits.
The Mazda3 is a compact car that is more affordable and more fuel-efficient. It also has better handling. Maine motorists may find the roomier Mazda6, a mid-sized car with more powerful engine options, more accommodating.
At the end of the day, these are both great new Mazda sedans for Brunswick, ME car shoppers to choose from. Learn more about what each Mazda model offers to decide which is more suited to your driving needs and interests.
Mazda3
One of the biggest upsides of the Mazda3 is its exceptional fuel economy numbers, with the compact sedan getting up to 28/36 (city/highway) miles per gallon. The Mazda3 is made for Freeport, ME drivers who enjoy responsive steering and capable handling.
Every Mazda3 trim level besides the base offers optional all-wheel drive. That's a significant plus when driving on slick roads in Maine's winter months.
The Mazda3 offers three engine options:
- 2.0-liter inline-4: 155 horsepower, 150 pound-feet of torque, 28/36 miles per gallon
- 2.5-liter iniline-4: 186 horsepower, 186 pound-feet of torque, 25/35 miles per gallon
- 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4: 250 horsepower, 320 pound-feet of torque, 23/32 miles per gallon
For a compact car, the Mazda3 has adequate space and a trunk with 13.2 cubic feet of storage. The Mazda3 has its fair share of safety features but blind-spot monitoring is not standard as it is in the Mazda6.
Mazda6
The Mazda6 offers two engines, including a turbocharged option that can be found on the Mazda6's three upper-level trims: the Grand Touring, Reserve, and Signature.
- 2.5-liter inline-4: 187 horsepower, 186 pound-feet of torque, 26/35 miles per gallon
- 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4: 250 horsepower, 320 pound-feet of torque, 23/31 miles per gallon
The Mazda6's fuel economy ratings of 26/35 (city/highway) miles per gallon are solid, but they don't beat the Mazda3.
Spaciousness is one of the strongest qualities of the new Mazda6 at Goodwin Mazda. The Mazda6 has a passenger volume of 99.8 cubic feet, 7.0 cubic feet more than the Mazda3. While its trunk is not huge, the Mazda6 does get superior cargo volume with 14.7 cubic feet. The Mazda6 also boasts more headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, something Lewiston, ME motorists can appreciate on longer drives throughout Maine.
Standard safety features in the Mazda6 include radar-based adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Mazda6 has superior safety credentials, having received the highest ratings from the NHTSA with a 5-star overall score. It was named a Top Safety Pick by acing the IIHS crash test program.
Mazda3 or Mazda6? What's the Verdict?
Which Mazda is better? Depends on who you ask. If Maine motorists want a Mazda with a little more might, they should choose the Mazda6. The same goes if they're searching for something more spacious or a car with more safety features.
The Mazda3, meanwhile, might be a better choice for Wiscasset, ME drivers that want a more fuel-efficient car, or if they prefer a model with available all-wheel drive. With a cheaper starting price by a few thousand dollars, the Mazda3 is the slightly more affordable option.

Finance a New Mazda3 or Mazda6 at Goodwin Mazda in Brunswick, ME
Paying for a new Mazda shouldn't be stressful for Brunswick, ME buyers. Our financial experts at the Goodwin Mazda finance center work hard to present you with multiple loan options that best suit your financial plans. Customers from Portland, ME can save time at the dealership by applying for Mazda financing online.
If neither the Mazda3 or Mazda6 satisfies your interests, perhaps one of the other Mazda models in our new inventory will.
Visit Goodwin Mazda soon to test drive a new Mazda3, Mazda6 or another Mazda vehicle. Our Brunswick, ME dealership is proud to serve our nearby neighbors in Wiscasset and Freeport, ME. We'd love the opportunity to work with you too.