2005 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 3 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. 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 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Golf. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 2008 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9 seconds | 11.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
