2005 Mazda Marathon vs. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda Marathon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda Marathon would be higher. At 2,260 cc, 2005 Mazda Marathon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda Marathon (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. (101 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda Marathon should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda Marathon weights approximately 227 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 @ 3500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Jetta. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda Marathon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda Marathon | 2006 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Marathon | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 1595 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 10 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1517 kg | 1290 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
