2005 Mazda 3 vs. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda 3 (108 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 28 kg more than 2005 Mazda 3.
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 Mazda 3 (225 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle. (130 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 2003 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.6 seconds | 14.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1268 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
