2001 Volkswagen Polo vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. (98 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 135 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 2001 Volkswagen Polo (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen Polo | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Polo | 3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 3.9 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 5.5 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
