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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Passat (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 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 274 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 (321 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
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 | 1596 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 9.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1459 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
