2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (99 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 644 kg more than 2004 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, 2005 Volkswagen Sharan (220 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Sharan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2005 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 12.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1086 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
