2006 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 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 2,489 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2013 Mazda 3. (165 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda 3 weights approximately 58 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Golf.
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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Golf | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Golf | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1966 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1325 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
