2002 Mazda 2 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2003 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda 2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda 2 would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (73 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 2. (66 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 57 kg more than 2002 Mazda 2. 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, 2002 Mazda 2 (160 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (140 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 2 | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 2 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1399 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.7 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.3 seconds | 16.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1217 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 5.5 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.5 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
