2003 Mazda 2 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 2 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 2 (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (67 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 204 kg more than 2003 Mazda 2.
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, 2003 Mazda 2 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (133 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 2 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 2 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
