2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 565 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 Sharan 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 Sharan 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 Sharan (265 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Sharan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 11 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
