Car Buyer's Guide

Mazda 6 Sedan vs Tesla Model 3

Mazda 6 Sedan

Mazda 6 Sedan

No longer on sale — shown for reference

Tesla Model 3

Tesla Model 3

Verdict

The Tesla Model 3 costs RM7,191 less at RM149,000, yet brings a 279 hp, 420 Nm rear motor, 534 km claimed EV range and a 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time. That is a sizeable performance and running-cost advantage for Malaysians with dependable charging access; its annual road tax is also RM280 against the Mazda 6 Sedan’s RM379. The Mazda counters with a longer 2,830 mm wheelbase, front and rear parking sensors, and a 100,000 km vehicle warranty, but its 153 hp petrol engine needs 10.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The Tesla is the sharper buy on these figures, provided charging suits your routine.

6 Sedan

Pick the Mazda 6 Sedan if you want front and rear parking sensors, a longer 2,830 mm wheelbase and 100,000 km vehicle-warranty coverage.

Model 3

Pick the Tesla Model 3 if you have access to charging and want 279 hp, 534 km claimed range, more boot space and substantially quicker acceleration for less money.

Key differences

  • Price: Mazda 6 Sedan RM156,191; Tesla Model 3 RM149,000.
  • Performance: Mazda 6 Sedan 153 hp, 200 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 10.5 seconds; Tesla Model 3 279 hp, 420 Nm and 6.2 seconds.
  • Energy use: Mazda 6 Sedan has a 1,998 cc petrol engine rated at 5.7 L/100 km; Tesla Model 3 has a 62.5 kWh battery with 534 km EV range.
  • Boot space: Mazda 6 Sedan 489 litres; Tesla Model 3 594 litres.
  • Dimensions: Mazda 6 Sedan is 4,865 mm long and 1,840 mm wide; Tesla Model 3 is 4,720 mm long and 2,089 mm wide.
  • Driver assistance: Mazda 6 Sedan has no lane-keeping assist or autonomous braking; Tesla Model 3 has steering correction, collision warning and autonomous…

6 Sedan

  • Longer 2,830 mm wheelbase
  • Front and rear parking sensors
  • 100,000 km manufacturer warranty
  • 10.5-second 0-100 km/h time versus 6.2 seconds
  • 489-litre boot is 105 litres smaller
  • No autonomous braking, collision warning or lane-keeping assist

Model 3

  • 279 hp and 420 Nm from its rear motor
  • 534 km claimed range and 170 kW DC charging
  • 594-litre boot with 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats
  • 2,089 mm width is 249 mm wider
  • 80,000 km manufacturer warranty limit is 20,000 km lower
  • No listed front or rear parking sensors
Price & overview
PriceRM156,191RM149,000
Body typeSedanSedan
SegmentD-SegmentCompact Executive
AssemblyCBUCBU
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM379RM280
Powertrain
Engine Tech16-valve DOHC, direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing400V architecture
Capacity1,998 cc
Horsepower153 hp
Torque200 Nm
FuelPetrolElectric
Bore83.5 mm
Compression Ratio13
Number of Motors1
Motor Horsepower279 hp
Motor Torque420 Nm
Battery Capacity62.5 kWh
EV Range534 km
Charging Rate (AC)11 kW
Charging Rate (DC)170 kW
Drivetrain
TransmissionConventional AutomaticSingle Ratio Automatic
Transmission NameSkyActiv-Drive with Sport modeSingle-ratio Transmission
Gears6
Transmission ManufacturerMazdaTesla
DrivelineFront Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h10.5 seconds6.2 seconds
Rated Economy5.7 L/100 km
Top Speed201 km/h
Dimensions
Length4,865 mm4,720 mm
Width1,840 mm2,089 mm
Height1,450 mm1,441 mm
Wheelbase2,830 mm
Weight1,393 kg
Fuel Tank62 litres
Doors44
Seats55
Boot Space489 litres594 litres
Front Tyre225/55R17255/45R18
Rear Tyre225/55R17255/45R18
Factory TyresBridgestone Turanza T005 EV
Chassis
AssemblyJapan (CBU)China (CBU)
Front SuspensionMacPherson StrutDouble Wishbones
Rear SuspensionMulti-linkMulti-link
Front Wheels17" Alloy18" Prismata Alloy
Rear Wheels17" Alloy18" Prismata Alloy
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Chassis NotesG-Vectoring Control
Crash Safety Ratings
EuroNCAP5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control
ANCAP5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control
Safety
AirbagsDriver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear CurtainDriver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee
ABS/EBD
Stability Control
Alarm
Immobilizer
Child Safety LockManual for rear doors
Seat Belts5 three-point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System
ISOFIXAvailable for two outer rear passenger seatsAvailable on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYes
Lane-keeping AssistNoSteering Correction
Collision Warning
Seatbelt ReminderFor All SeatsAll Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsHalogen projectorAdaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam
TaillampsLED CombinationLED Combination
LED Daytime Running Lights
Front Foglamps
Rear Foglamps
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators
Cabin
Front SeatsPower Adjustable 8-way Driver's Seat with Memory, Power Adjustable Front Passenger SeatPower Adjustable Front Seats
Rear Seats60:40 Split-folding40:20:40 Split-Folding
Front Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control with HEPA Air Filter
Rear Air-conRear VentsRear Vents
SunroofPanoramic Glass Roof
Power Sockets1 front1 Front, 4 Front USB-C
Interior LightingMap LightsMap Lights
Cup Holders2 front, 2 rear2 Front, 2 Rear
AudioMZD Connect Touchscreen with radio, CD, MP3, AUX, USB and Bluetooth, 6 speakers15.4" Touchscreen with Navigation, Bluetooth and 7 Speakers
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-PinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch
Engine StartKeyless Push StartKeyless (Depress Brake to Start)
LocksRemote Control ActivationKeyless Operation
Auto Start/Stop
Auto Headlamps
Auto Wipers
Cruise ControlPassive Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control
Tiptronic
Steering Audio Control
Steering Tilt
Steering Telescopic
Boot OperationRemote Control ActivationPowered Boot
Parking Sensor Front4 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear4 Sensors
Reverse CameraYesYes
Folding Wing Mirrors
Bluetooth
Navigation
Hill Start Assist
Instrument ClusterElectroluminescent AnalogueFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Convenience NotesDual Wireless Qi Chargers
Warranty
Warranty Mileage Manufacturer100,000 km80,000 km
Warranty Manufacturer3 years4 years
Warranty Notes3-year/60,000 km free service8-year/160,000 km Battery and Drive Unit Warranty, No fixed service schedule (condition-based maintenance)

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.

6 Sedan vs Model 3 FAQ

Is the Mazda 6 Sedan or Tesla Model 3 better?

The Tesla Model 3 is better on the figures for price, acceleration, boot capacity, active safety and annual road tax. Choose the Mazda 6 Sedan instead if its parking sensors, longer wheelbase and 100,000 km warranty coverage matter more than EV charging.

What is the price difference?

The Tesla Model 3 is RM7,191 cheaper: RM149,000 versus RM156,191 for the Mazda 6 Sedan.

Which one is faster and more practical?

The Tesla Model 3 reaches 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds, against 10.5 seconds for the Mazda 6 Sedan, and has a 594-litre boot versus 489 litres. The Mazda is longer, however, at 4,865 mm against 4,720 mm.

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