2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 3,189 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (139 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 850 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3. 2008 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3189 cc |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.3 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
