2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Volvo V50
To start off, 2008 Volvo V50 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 2,399 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo V50 (169 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo V50 weights approximately 240 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.
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, 2008 Volvo V50 (231 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2008 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | 3 | V50 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
