2002 Mazda 6 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda 6 (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 136 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 6. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 6. 2002 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 6 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 6 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1354 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
