2000 Mazda 626 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2000 Mazda 626. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 376 kg more than 2000 Mazda 626. 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 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Mazda 626. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mazda 626 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 626 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1769 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2578 mm |
