1996 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Mazda 5
To start off, 2012 Mazda 5 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 5 (113 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 5 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mazda 5 (165 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Golf | 5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2751 mm |
