2006 Mazda 2 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Mazda 2 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda 2 (79 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 2 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 2. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 2 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 2 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
