2003 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 4,130 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (335 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 8 kg more than 2003 Mazda 3. 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, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 3 | 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 4130 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.5 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.4 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 90 L |
