2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, both 2006 Mazda 3 and 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,475 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 3 weights approximately 148 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle.
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, 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle (232 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2475 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1162 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
