2005 Mazda 3 vs. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 2,324 cc (5 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (169 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 194 kg more than 2005 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, 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1349 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.3 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1349 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
