2005 Mazda Marathon vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Mazda Marathon is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,260 cc, 2005 Mazda Marathon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Golf (115 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2005 Mazda Marathon. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda Marathon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda Marathon weights approximately 237 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2005 Mazda Marathon 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 2005 Mazda Marathon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2005 Mazda Marathon (174 Nm) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (165 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda Marathon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda Marathon | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Marathon | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Van | Hatchback |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1895 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 10 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1517 kg | 1280 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
