2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 54 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Golf | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
