2006 Mazda 6 vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda 6 would be higher. At 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 6. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 6.
Because 2012 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mazda 6. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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 T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 6. (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 6 | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 6 | T5 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2260 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
