2006 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Sharan 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 35 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 18 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Sharan 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 Sharan 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 Sharan (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Volkswagen Sharan | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Mazda |
| Model | Sharan | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | 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 | 113 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 automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1318 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.9 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
