2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (123 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 480 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda Roadster is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Mazda Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (142 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Mazda Roadster | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
Model | Roadster | Passat |
Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 142 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 78.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1510 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4710 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 62 L |