2003 Mazda 6 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 6 (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 81 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda 6 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 6. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 6 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 6 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1524 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4769 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
