2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 6 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (225 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 996 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 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (550 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 405 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 3 | 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 3 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 2256 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2893 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 100 L |
