Facts and figures that have really surprised me!

[GJ-Molestor]

Mazda uses a somewhat modular platform system - it is NOT shared with the 3, at least not directly. It has a similar wheelbase to the 3 but the width is shared with the 6 and so drives very differently. The 6 is longer in length. The traditional notion of "platforms" is a little outdated with Mazda now.

So the 6 has a longer wheelbase then the CX-5? I always assumed they were closely related in terms of wheelbase because their interior are the same

 

[Sailingeric]

2003 Xterra XE: 180hp/202 ft.-lbs
2003 Xterra SE: 210hp/246ft-lbs
2015 Xterra (all models): 261hp/281 ft-lbs

The 2003 was the smaller Xterra. I had 2006 with the 261 hp engine. That thing was a beast off road and in the snow but it rode like a tank on the road. The CX-5 is totally different car

 

[mazdadude]

Mazda uses a somewhat modular platform system - it is NOT shared with the 3, at least not directly. It has a similar wheelbase to the 3 but the width is shared with the 6 and so drives very differently. The 6 is longer in length. The traditional notion of "platforms" is a little outdated with Mazda now.

Correct. Here are the specs for the chassis

Year Model: Wheelbase inches, Width inches
2014 Mazda 2: 101.2", 66.7"
2017 Mazda CX-3: 101.2", 69.6"
2017 Mazda 3: 106.3", 70.7"
2017 Mazda CX-5: 106.2", 72.5"
2017 Mazda 6: 111", 72.4"
Mazda CX-9: 115.3" 77.5"

 

[craigo]

Correct. Here are the specs for the chassis

Year Model: Wheelbase inches, Width inches
2014 Mazda 2: 101.2", 66.7"
2017 Mazda CX-3: 101.2", 69.6"
2017 Mazda 3: 106.3", 70.7"
2017 Mazda CX-5: 106.2", 72.5"
2017 Mazda 6: 111", 72.4"
Mazda CX-9: 115.3" 77.5"

And the interior of the CX-5 is more optimized for cargo. Different (and higher) roof line gives a bit more shoulder room, this and the flexible chassis allows the rear seat to be pushed back another few inches and gives it a lot more cargo area.

And I just noticed the track between the wheels of the cx-5 is wider than both the 3 and the 6.

Since we own both a 3 and CX-5, the general feel is the 3 is low to the ground and more snug inside compared to the cx-5. It weighs less and corners better. The cx-5's higher roof line is better for cargo handling/passenger hauling and the higher clearance makes it better off pavement.

 

[Unobtanium]

Oh and jeeps are pieces of s***, I would never buy one if I needed an off-road car. Id get a 4Runner, FJ Cruiser or an Xterra

The older XJ's with the 4.0 were pretty damn good...