1996 Mazda MPV vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MPV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MPV would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (280 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MPV. (146 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MPV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 417 kg more than 1996 Mazda MPV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mazda MPV. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MPV. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MPV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda MPV | 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | MPV | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2954 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 2137 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2893 mm |
